US and European markets rallied late Friday as Italian policymakers approved new austerity measures, a move which should help pave the way for a new government.
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro is to play disgraced financier Bernie Madoff in an HBO movie he will produce, according to reports.
Eurozone optimism has buoyed markets this afternoon with almost all major indices in positive territory.
The FTSE 100 soared to its highest level since early August in morning trading, as investors remained hopeful of a resolution in Europe.
Asian shares suffered overnight and European indices plunged today as investors fretted over the lack of progress towards solving Europe's debt crisis.
The FTSE 100 was trading at its highest level since early August this morning, as optimism over the crisis in Europe continued to cheer investors.
The week has once again been dominated by the eurozone crisis, with a crucial meeting taking place today, while the regulator has warned the Arch cru debacle may not be anyone's fault.
Economist Roger Nightingale has warned the UK economy is facing the real possibility of a depression after policymakers failed to act quickly enough to tackle the downturn.
Mervyn King has warned Chancellor George Osborne the UK recovery is facing a growing threat from the euro crisis and deteriorating conditions in financial markets.
The FTSE 100 was lower mid-morning as investors waited nervously for a crucial vote in Germany on the expansion of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).