London's benchmark share index, boosted by miners and energy stocks, managed to hit new 16-months high, amidst more and more signs of the global economic recovery coming in.

Also, an unexpected rise and revival in China's exports, which recorded a hike of 18% for the month of December after falling for 13 consecutive months, sounded an optimistic chime as far the economy goes.

At one point during the trading, the FTSE 100 actually managed to rise to 5600 points, before falling back a bit and standing 25.5 points higher at 5559.7.

Rising confidence about Asia's prospects helped the market overcome the disappointment that was felt on Friday over the American unemployment figures which showed more-than-expected job cuts.

A combination of strengthened Chinese activity and a weakened value of the US Dollar helped mining stocks in London rise, with Lonmin and Kazakhmys recording hikes of 60 pence and 37 pence, respectively.

Oil prices were also pushed up, and BP, Shell and Carin Energy surged by 13.9 pence, 28.5 pence and 15 pence, respectively.