Rollercoaster for investors as Japan bounces on US data

The volatility in markets continued overnight as stocks around the globe rebounded, led by Japan where the Nikkei jumped nearly 2%.

Buoyed by positive data from the US which showed retail sales hit a three-month high and unemployment dropped marginally, the Nikkei and other indices all rebounded having lost a lot of ground on US stimulus fears earlier this week. The Nikkei closed up 1.9% at 12,686 points, although it remains in bear market territory having tumbled 20% from recent highs. US markets also enjoyed gains following the positive data, with the S&P 500 finishing up 1.5% at 1,636 points. The UK has also got off to a positive start this morning, with the FTSE 100 up 0.2% at 6,319.