Stock markets make further gains across the world

Stock markets in Europe and Asia have made further gains today following the latest efforts by world leaders to tackle the global financial crisis.

Japan's Nikkei Index was up 14% by close of business, while Hong Kong's Han Seng Index was up 4.4%.

Australia's main index was also up 3.7% following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's announcement of a Aus$10.4bn economic stimulus package.

In Europe, London's FTSE 100 index rose almost 4% in early trading, while the CAC in France was up by a similar amount.

Ireland's ISEQ Index was also up 4.5%.

The gains follow a massive 11% jump in the US Dow Jones index yesterday.