In Northern Ireland and Scotland, small businesses were least confident.
Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC countries such as Russia to meet in April in Doha to discuss oil production freeze.
All major indexes closed up, aided in part by the positive view of the latest Fed announcement.
Bank of England and FOMC both decided, unsurprisingly, not to touch central interest.
US stocks turn flat as the rally inspired by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday loses momentum.
Fed more concerned about global economy and China slowdown.
Crude oil futures, which rose 5.8% to settle at $38.46 a barrel, also contributed to gains.
Footsie investor considered the economic policies set out by the Chancellor to be positive for businesses.
Edmund Shing explains why you should invest in UK banking group Lloyds.
Scotland's deputy first minister accused the government of indecision and inconsistency.
All eyes on Fed chairperson Janet Yellen's policy statement.
Businesses are holding their breath, anticipating possible tax increases introduced by the Chancellor.
Dow Jones and Nasdaq slip as investors remain jittery ahead of a two-day Fed meeting.
New measures by the ECB means Eurozone banks are catching up with British peers.
Investors appear concerned about the US Federal Reserve's stand on interest rates post its upcoming meeting.
The S&P 500 was weighed down by losses in the materials and energy sector.
Experts are largely expecting the MPC to hold off on hiking the rate, instead increasing it later in 2016.
Dow Jones and Nasdaq edges lower as pre-Fed jitters spoil sentiment, while oil prices tumble.
Morgan Stanley warns that ongoing slowdown and global oversupply will keep prices lower for some time.
China also up as its fixed-asset investment rose 10.2% year-on-year in January and February.
Aviva and financial stocks rally to UK and European stocks firmly in the black as oil prices edge higher.
All the main US benchmarks are up 1% following solid gains in oil prices, which offset Thursday's decline.
The split is expected to be finalised by the end of 2018.
Edmund Shing explains why you should invest in housebuilders Berkeley Group.
Mario Draghi, president at European Central Bank hints there would not be any more rate cuts going forward.
The S&P 500 meanwhile managed to eke out minor gains.
Stocks nosedive despite expanded stimulus after ECB President admits he sees no further reason for future rate cuts.
Dow Jones and Nasdaq on the front foot as news of fresh ECB stimulus offsets decline in oil prices.
The European Central bank expanded its asset purchasing programme by €20bn to €80bn a month.
The European Central Bank is expected to ease its monetary policy later in the day.