FTSE hits two-month high as world markets rise

The FTSE 100 closed at its highest level for over two months last night as world markets soared on the first day of trading in 2012.

The blue chip index, buoyed by a risk-on attitude from traders as well as positive data in the US and Asia, climbed 2.3% to 5,700 points.

It marked its highest close since late October when it finished at 5,714 points. This morning it remained near the two-month high, dipping just 4 points.

Elsewhere overnight markets soared, with the Dow Jones up 1.5% to 12,397 points in the US, while the S&P 500 climbed 1.56% to 1,277 points.

Better than anticipated numbers from US manufacturers helped lift shares and boost sentiment.

In Asia shares were mixed with the Nikkei up 1.2% at 8,566 points, while the Hang Seng Index fell 0.4% to 18,802 points.