Global shares jump on US data, Dow eyes 10th gain in row

Global equity markets and the dollar rose today, with the iconic Dow poised to extend its winning streak to 10 days, after more encouraging signs of a labor market recovery underpinned sentiment the US economy is gaining traction.

Wall Street opened higher, following gains in Europe that pushed shares to a fresh 4-1/2 year high, after the Labor Department said initial claims for state unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell in the latest week.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.15 points, or 0.46 percent, at 14,521.43. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 6.59 points, or 0.42 percent, at 1,561.11. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 13.51 points, or 0.42 percent, at 3,258.62.

In Europe, the European FTSEurofirst 300 of leading regional shares was at its highest level since mid-2008, up 0.82 percent on the day.