Saxo Bank's London traders say the second half of 2013 has started with quiet confidence. Positive numbers from the UK have been helping the FTSE put on more than 1% in the London lunchtime. The subdued tone is likely to stay that way given holidays in the US later in the week.
Japanese manufacturing data also proved to be a market mover earlier on Monday. It reached its highest level in two years. Given stronger data from the United States, buoyancy in the markets is likely to continue.