International markets bounced back overnight as leaders from around the globe scrambled to save a week-old to prevent the eurozone financial crisis from spreading.

In Europe the FTSE added 63 points (+1.2%) whilst the CAC (+1.4%) and DAX (+2.3%) enjoyed even stronger gains after the previous session's rout.

Stateside, the Dow Jones added 178 points (+1.5%), whilst the S&P 500 (+1.6%) and Nasdaq (+1.3%) move similarly higher.

A better-than-expected ADP jobs reports also provided a boost in the US, setting the scene for Friday night's all-important non-farm payroll numbers.

The US dollar weakened against most of its major rivals after Fed Chairman Bernanke left the door ajar to do more to prop up the US economy if necessary.

Commodities also bounced back after a horror previous session with copper (+2.3%) and gold (+1.1%) the standouts, whilst crude oil (+0.4%) also gained.

Today's session will bring us important retail sales data, slated for release at 11:30am, AEDT.