Positive data sees most markets gain

POSITIVE data from the US, Britain and Germany — pointing to some level of economic upswing — boosted markets, yesterday, with most starting the year with good gains.

Despite a marginal increase in December’s jobless figures, Germany’s unemployment rate fell from 7.7% to 7.1% in 2011, according to fresh figures. Meanwhile, latest data from the US shows that its manufacturing sector grew at its fastest rate for six months in December, further tentative proof of the American economy gaining positive momentum.

In Frankfurt, the DAX was up by 1.5%, or 91 points, at 6,163 points.