S&P 500

London's leading index rose almost 150 points, or 2.48%, to reach 6,045 by late morning, buoyed by the commodities sector.

US markets closed 1% ahead yesterday on a buoyant day for global shares as fears around the European sovereign debt crisis eased.

US FOCUS

UK EQUITY INCOME

In the US, trading volumes fell ahead of key job market data to be released later today.

World markets surged on Wednesday following an unexpected jump in the US manufacturing index and bullish economic figures from Asia.

US stocks slumped to their worst August in nine years, as investors retreated on fears for the US economy.

Which major index has been able to generate a return for investors since the beginning of the credit crunch?

GERMANY

Prudential's 1.5% rise in early trading, following better than expected first-half profits, helped the FTSE edge 0.3% higher to 5257.79 points.