FTSE has been trading higher so far today, before the UK employment data releases, up 0.2% about an hour ago. Upbeat data from China about new home prices have helped improve Asia-focused stocks trading in this stock exchange.

According to reports, new home prices grew at a faster rate in China during March, making up for the slowdown experienced in the previous month. There is also rising optimism in the markets that the government’s stimulus efforts have helped improve one of the world’s largest economies.