Wall Street opened higher this afternoon, building on yesterday's gain with several factors lending themselves to the boost.
One was a report that unexpectedly showed private employers added jobs in July, while news that the Federal Reserve is extending a measure to boost liquidity in financial markets cheered investors.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up by a firm 1.1% to 11524.82, further buoyed by the continuing slide in the oil price, which is calming inflation fears that could impact consumer spending.
Meanwhile, the FTSE100 continues to bank on this morning's gain, up by a solid 1.9% at 5420.9 despite fears over the banking sector and troubled retailers.
Rexam, the world's biggest drinks can maker, was leading the day's gainers, adding 11.15% to shares at 386p after a first-half profit leap.
Meanwhile British Airways made solid advances on the back of merger talks with Iberia.
Investors are welcoming the possible tie-up and shares in the airline were up 7.1% at 266.25p.
