The FTSE 100 matched global stock markets and rose sharply as bullish investors piled back into equity markets after concerns of a British exit from the European Union eased over the weekend.

MARKETS were subdued yesterday, following credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s threat to downgrade 15 eurozone countries and the triple-A rated bailout fund, the EFSF.

The Australian Stock Exchange today reportedly played down rumours it was eyeing Nasdaq's 31% stake in the London Stock Exchange.