UK stocks rose in early trading this morning, with the FTSE heading for an eleventh straight day of gains.
A string of strong earnings results as well as positive homes resales data in the US thrust the Dow into positive territory today.
The FTSE 100 slumped on opening this morning with utilities companies among the losers following Ofwat's call for lower water bills.
The Dow Jones held its level in early trading today, despite worrying results from Morgan Stanley.
The FTSE 100 fell on opening this morning, for the first time in seven days, after the Dow Jones temporarily faltered yesterday.
The Dow Jones was up 50.03 points (0.57%) at 8898.18 this afternoon, following a volatile start to trading as US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke forecast unemployment would remain high into 2011.
The FTSE 100 extended its rally this morning and is set to mark six consecutive sessions of gains.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones followed gains in stock markets across Europe.
In London, markets experienced strong, early growth, with banks and miners leading the pack. The FTSE 100 added 40.81 points (0.93%) to 4,429.56 by mid-morning.
Cheery results for a trio of US bluechip giants kept the Dow Jones in with a shout of posting positive gains for a fifth straight day on Friday.