Global markets soar after Japan rate cut

Global markets have rallied on the back of Japan's cut in interest rates, with the FTSE and Dow both up over one percentage point.

Shortly after 15.30, the FTSE was up 1.11%, or 61 points, to 5617 as Japan's rate cut, coupled with positive services sector data, boosted investor confidence. London's gains were mirrored throughout Europe, with France's Cac 40 up over up over 2%, and Germany's Dax edging up over 1.3%. Shares across the Atlantic, meanwhile, have taken the lead from Europe, with the Dow up almost one percentage point in early trading. Shortly after 15.30 GMT, it was up 106 points to stand at 10857. The S&P 500 index added 1.6% to 1155, with the Nasdaq Composite climbing 1.9%. On the FTSE, travel g...