Britain's top share index jumped more than 1 percent on Tuesday after stronger-than-expected U.S. manufacturing data gave a lift to global growth hopes, pulling commodity stocks higher, Reuters reported. Banks were also in demand as investor risk appetite returned. Shares of Lloyds rallied more than 8 percent after the part state-owned lender reported a 288 million pound pre-tax profit for the first quarter, significantly better results than a year ago. At the close, the FTSE 100 index was up 74.5 points, or 1.3 percent at 5,812.23, ending above the 5,800 level for the first time since April 3. Growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector picked up unexpectedly in April, while new orders gained, Institute for Supply Management data showed. U.S. blue chips turned higher after the ISM numbers, adding 0.7 percent by London's close and recovering after falls in the previous session which followed some below-forecast data. "The positive (ISM) has provided a necessary lift to the markets as data out this week had so far disappointed with the Chicago PMI and UK manufacturing PMI falling well short of expectations," said Craig Erlam, market analyst at Alpari(UK). Volumes, however, were fairly low in London at below 70 percent of the 90-day daily average, with most European markets closed on Tuesday for the May Day holiday. -- SPA
