European markets reached tentatively higher, off a two-week closing low after solid losses the previous session with banks and insurance stocks rebounding.
The FTSE was up 0.7% at the time of writing. The CAC 40 Paris gained 1% and the German DAX was up 1.1%.
The board of the International Monetary Fund approved the disbursal to Ireland of 3.91 billion euros under the Extended Fund Facility, following its fourth review of Ireland's economic performance. The arrangement is for a 3-year, $30 billion support to Ireland.
In individual stocks, Old Mutual shot up 11.4% after it spoke of its plan to sell its Nordic unit for $3.2 billion. Other insurers were also gaining with Legal & General Group up 1.9% and Prudential 2% higher.
Elsewhere, Asian markets ended broadly lower tracking a negative finish on Wall Street yesterday.
