LONDON, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The London market opened sharply higher following strong gains in U.S. and Asian markets overnight.
BY 0824 BST, the FTSE 100 index had risen 93.5 points to 5,244.1, with confidence also lifted by falling oil prices.
Bank stocks saw a strong recovery, with Royal Bank of Scotland up 8.2 percent and Lloyds TSB 7.2 percent higher.
Retailers were also enjoying a strong start, with Marks and Spencer climbing 5.9 percent and fashion chain Next up 6 percent.
House building shares also rose, with Taylor Wimpey jumping 14 percent, Bellway up 13.8 percent and Persimmon adding 11.6 percent.
