Europe Stock markets risen, helped by a rally in oil prices and hopes of
more stimulus action by central banks.
London's FTSE 100 index was nearly 2% higher, with share indexes elsewhere in Europe showing similar gains.
Shares
had risen strongly on Thursday, following hints from the European
Central Bank that it was considering more action to boost the eurozone's
economy.
The share rises come at the end of a turbulent week for the markets.
Stock markets had dived earlier in the week as investors fretted over falling oil prices and prospects for China's economy.
Draghi impact
Elsewhere in Europe, Germany's Dax index was up 1.7% while in France the Cac 40 index was 2.8% higher.
The
recovery in stocks had begun on Thursday, following a press conference
from European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi.
After the ECB had kept eurozone rates on hold, Mr Draghi hinted that the bank might take more action to try to stimulate the eurozone economy later this year.
He said the bank would "review and possibly reconsider" monetary policy at its next meeting in March.
Mr
Draghi also said eurozone rates would "stay at present or lower levels
for an extended period" and there would be "no limits" to action to
boost the eurozone.
Earlier on Friday, Japan's Nikkei index
had jumped by nearly 6%. The market there had been lifted by
speculation that the Bank of Japan was considering a fresh wave of
stimulus measure to try to boost the economy.
Oil rebound
Markets have also been encouraged by a recovery in oil prices.
Earlier
this week the price of oil fell to 12-year lows - around $27 a barrel -
after the International Energy Agency warned that oil markets could
"drown in oversupply" in 2016.
However, on Friday the price of Brent crude was up $1.50 on the day at $30.75 a barrel, while US crude was $1.26 higher at $30.79 a barrel.
The prospect of colder weather in the US and Europe was being cited as one factor behind the rise.
The US east coast is expected to be hit by a huge blizzard later on Friday.
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