Reply #13: European stock markets strike five-year highs

[Ghost Dog]

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061215/afp/061215121314eco.html

LONDON (AFP) - European stock markets have hit their highest levels for more than five years, after a record overnight performance on Wall Street, with London gains underscored by BAE Systems.

The British capital's FTSE 100 index of leading shares hit 6,258.80 points on Friday, which was last breached on February 13, 2001.

Meanwhile, the French CAC 40 index hit 5,540.03 points and Frankfurt's DAX 30 touched 6,587.27 points -- both also last seen more than five years ago.

"A record high close on the Dow yesterday amid good earnings results has helped to lift Asian and European markets as sentiment turned positive once again as we approach the festive season," said Sucden analyst Michael Davies.

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