Around the World's Markets: New York

SHARES ROSE after the release of a report which showed stronger-than-expected jobs growth, increasing optimism that demand will continue to rise in the US economy.

The Dow Jones average rose by 1.54 per cent to close above the crucial 9,000 mark at 9,016.14.

"We saw very strong job numbers, so the worries about a strong economy were brushed aside," said one trader.

The technology-laden Nasdaq composite also rallied, closing up 2.5 per cent on the day at 2,003.16.