Wednesday 16th September

European shares finished the day up more than one percent, with a key index – the FTSEurofirst 300 – closing above the 1,000 mark for the first time in more than 11 months.

That was due to growing optimism among investors that the recession is probably over. The index has rallied over 55 percent since hitting a low point in early March. However, it is still down 13.5 percent from its level of one year ago just before the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers triggered fears of a total financial industry meltdown. Banks were top gainers. Commodity stocks, another beneficiary of a global economic recovery, were also in favour. But analysts warned the road to recovery will be bumpy and there could be a market correction at any time.More about: Economy, European markets

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