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The FTSE 100's 47-point increase - from a session-low 5,412.48 - was aided by "bullish comments" on the European recovery, according to Reuters.
Other factors included the Bank of England (BoE) holding the interest rates low - 0.5 per cent for the 18th month in a row - and it failed to announce any quantitative easing purchases, although this was expected.
Commenting on the chances of the BoE extending its programme, Mike Lenhoff, chief strategist at Brewin Dolphin, said: "Both the US Federal Reserve and the BoE would not be prepared to tolerate any loss of momentum in their respective economies."
The FTSE 100 rise comes after it decreased by 0.7 per cent yesterday morning which prompted Peter Dixon, UK economist at Commerzbank, to observe it might be a quiet week for the markets.
Posted by Clive Arneil
