FTSE up 1% on positive US jobless data

clock

The FTSE 100 was up 50 points, or 1%, to 5,159.25 this afternoon as data showed new claims for unemployment benefits in the US fell more than expected.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 473,000 in the week ended 21 August 2010, the Labor Department says. The FTSE had been trading near intra-day lows before the report, which also boosted shares on European bourses. Germany's Dax was up 0.56% to 5,932.59, while France's CAC 40 added 0.99% to 3,484.23. Meanwhile, companies which today announced strong first-half results led market risers. Amec was up 4.48% to 886.5p, while Kazakhmys advanced 4.47% to £11.21 and G4S rose 3.52% to 255.8p. Drinks maker Diageo was also a strong pe...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Treasury Committee scrutinises chancellor on Spring Statement

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 April 2025 • 3 min read
Five key takeaways from the Spring Statement 2025

Five key takeaways from the Spring Statement 2025

OBR growth, ISA reforms and defence

Sorin Dojan
clock 27 March 2025 • 4 min read
Bank of England halts interest rate cuts amid ongoing inflation

Bank of England halts interest rate cuts amid ongoing inflation

As priced in by markets

Sorin Dojan
clock 20 March 2025 • 2 min read