Bright economic data lifts global markets

Upbeat economic data has boosted investor sentiment on both sides of the Atlantic with major European indices and the Dow all flying high in mid-afternoon trading.

Positive US employment data showing the number of jobless claims fell last week by 29,000 and a better-than-expected rise in UK retail sales in April, along with Glencore's successful flotation, have driven global markets into positive territory.

Shortly after 1500, the FTSE 100 was scratching the 6,000 mark, up 1.09% to 5988 as London's leading index benefited from a spate of healthy trading updates.

In pole position is Investec, up more than 6%, after the asset manager posted a rise in yearly operating profit before tax to £434.4m. Petrofak, ITV, Aggreko and Smiths Group complete the winners' board.

London's gains are mirrored across Europe, with France's Cac 40 edging up 1.2% and Germany's Dax advancing 1.07%.

Across the Atlantic the Dow opened brightly and, despite slipping, is up 0.1% with Chevron, United Technologies and General Electric propping up the index.