LONDON - Britain's leading share index ended two percent higher as a batch of upbeat data saw optimism about the global economy rise, boosting heavyweight oils, miners, and financial stocks. The FTSE 100 closed up 88.25 points at 4,506.19, its highest close since early January.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:EUROFIRST

EUROPE - European shares closed at their highest level since January 6, with energy companies and miners among the biggest gainers as data from the United States and China sparked optimism on economic recovery. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares rose 2.8 percent to 886.27.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:EUROpean markets

FRANKFURT - The DAX index ended at 5,142.56 points, up 201.74 or 4.08 percent.

PARIS - The CAC-40 index closed at 3,379.49 points, up 101.84 or 3.11 percent.

ZURICH - The Swiss markets were closed for the Whit Monday holiday. They will reopen tomorrow tomorrow. On Friday, the index closed at 5,349.74 points.

MILAN - The FT Italian All Share index closed at 21,096.66, up 596.40 or 2.91 percent.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:nikkei

TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei average gained 1.63 percent to reach a nearly eight-month closing high, as shippers including Kawasaki Kisen and resource-related shares such as Mitsui Mining and Smelting climbed on the prospect of a recovery in demand from China. The Nikkei rose 155.25 points to 9,677.75, its highest close since October 7.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:hang seng

HONG KONG - Stocks rose as investors cheered better-than-expected data from China, which bolstered widespread expectations for a rapid recovery in the world's third-largest economy. The Hang Seng Index was up 3.95 percent or 717.59 points at 18,888.59, its highest closing level since September 2008.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:asx

SYDNEY - Stocks rose 2 percent to a three-week closing high, supported by heavyweight resources stocks amid upbeat global economic data that brightened the outlook for demand for commodities. The S&P/ASX 200 index was up 76.4 points to 3,894.4, its highest close since May 11.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:south africa

JOHANNESBURG - Stocks climbed to a 8-month high, led by heavyweight commodity shares and boosted higher global markets, but the rand lost ground after the central bank warned the currency may be too strong. The All-share index closed at 23,548.65 points, up 778.03 or 3.42 percent.