Markets buoyed, euro soars as leaders strike debt deal

The index was more than 100 points, or 1.9%, higher at 5,654 shortly after opening. Overnight, major indices in the US and across Asia were also lifted as news of the deal spread. The Nikkei 225 gained 2.04% to reach 8,926.54, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index climbed 2.47% to 19,536.89. US markets also closed up, with the Dow Jones gaining 1.39% to reach 11,869 and the S&P 500 climbing over 1% to 1,242. European leaders agreed a three-pronged deal last night to expand the bail-out fund and for banks to take losses on Greek debt in exchange for recapitalisation. The euro also...