Markets rise as China backs euro

World stock markets put in some strong rises on Thursday, boosted by supportive comments from China on the strength of the euro.

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The agency that manages the country's huge foreign assets said it was not rethinking its holdings in euros.

That led to a positive day's trading and left shares in all key markets with good gains.

London's main FTSE index was up 3.1%, France's Cac was 3.4% higher and the German Dax was up 3.1%.

The euro also rose, to trade at $1.236, a rise of almost two cents on the day.

By lunchtime in New York, the Dow Jones was more than 2.2% higher.

Reports that China was reviewing its investments in the light of the weakness in the eurozone gave markets a fright late on Wednesday.

The make-up of China's estimated overseas assets of $2.5 trillion are a state secret.

Although most of them are in US dollars, a significant proportion – estimated at $630bn (£438bn) – are thought to be held in euros.

A sell-off from China would not only highlight the fragility of the eurozone, but also depress the market by increasing supply at a time of low demand.

Earlier on Thursday, Japan's main market also closed with a gain – of 1.2%.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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