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The benchmark FTSE 100 Index moved up by 65.11 points, or 1.1 per cent, to 5,788.11, reports Reuters. The UK gauge has improved by 3.9 per cent so far this year amid signs the US economy could be recovering.
Meanwhile, the FTSE-All Share Index grew by 1.2 per cent and Ireland's ISEQ Index added 2.1 per cent.
"Whilst growth has been better than expected in the US, Bernanke's press conference highlighted the willingness and ability of the Federal Reserve to provide more stimuli," said Gerard Lane, an equity strategist at Shore Capital.
He added that the European Central Bank's perceived willingness to help stave off the sovereign debt crisis is also improving investor sentiment.
Gold prices also hit a six-and-a-half week high after the Federal Reserve's unexpectedly dovish attitude, the news provider noted.
Posted by Greg Secker
