Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN shares rose more than 1 per cent as chemical stocks enjoyed a rise in demand following a recent switch to cyclical shares.

The Xetra DAX index was also boosted by the lower-than-expected increase in employment in the US. It closed up 1.66 per cent at 5,124.13 points, after the Frankfurt stock exchange had been closed on Thursday for a holiday. Traders agreed the signals were mixed, but Wall Street's firm opening provided backing for European markets.