Dow Jones

The Dow Jones benchmark index in the US looked set to cap a week of gains, moving up 25.5 points to 9,812.34.

A rise in consumer-focused shares helped to push the UK's benchmark share index ahead despite profit-taking in miners and banks.

The Dow Jones raced to a near 75-point lead in early trading on Thursday thanks in part to strong gains from aluminium giant Alcoa.

The FTSE opened buoyantly, up more than 49 points to 5,158.28, on the back of strong performance from mining companies, due to higher metal prices because of the weak dollar.

Markets opened to a volatile start this morning after shares made major gains on improvements in the commodities market.

The Dow Jones has climbed sharply in early trading this morning on anticipation of a positive start to the US reporting season. At 10.40am, the index was 112.07 points (1.17%) higher to 9711.82.

The FTSE 100 is up 32.83 points (0.65%) at 5057.15 following some volatility in early trading, as Australia's decision to raise interest rates surprises the global markets.

The FTSE 100 has fallen below the 5,000 point barrier for the first time since 10 September.

Shares fell in London this morning, following trends in the US after new data revealed weaknesses in the world's largest economy.

The Dow Jones is lower today after a surprise rise in the US jobless figures overshadowed an increase in August consumer spending.