European stock markets rebounded this evening, helped by a fall in oil prices, while US markets were boosted by fresh hopes of a deal between Microsoft and Yahoo.
London's FTSE closed up 100 points (1.9%) at 5,513, with British Airways bouncing 4.6% to 206p. In Paris the CAC ended up 1.8% to 4,343 while in Frankfurt the Dax rose 2% to finish at 6,396.
In Dublin, the ISEQ index closed four points lower at 4,859, dragged down by another sharp fall in Irish Life & Permanent. IL&P fell 10% to €5.36 after credit agency Moody's lowered its outlook. But airline shares were lifted by the fall in oil prices, with Ryanair gaining 14 cent to €2.55 and Aer Lingus up six to €1.30.
US stock markets were higher as oil prices declined and as software giant Microsoft said it was prepared to re-open talks on a deal with Yahoo if the internet firm replaces its board of directors. The Dow Jones was up 68 points at 11,357 and the Nasdaq added 13 to 2,258.
Earlier, Japanese shares jumped by almost 1%, ending their longest losing streak in 54 years, supported by a weaker yen which boosts exporters. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index closed 22 points higher at 13,360.
