Markets Right Now: Global stocks rally after French vote

U.S. stocks joined a worldwide rally after results from the first of France's presidential election raised expectations that the European Union and euro currency will hold together.

French stocks leapt 4 percent after centrist Emmanuel Macron emerged on top of the first round of the country's presidential election, stoking hopes he would beat the far-right Marine Le Pen in a run-off in two weeks.

Stocks are opening sharply higher on Wall Street, following gains in Europe, on increased expectations that France was not heading for an exit of the euro.

French stocks jumped 4 percent after centrist Emmanuel Macron emerged on top of the first round of the country's presidential election, stoking hopes he would beat the far-right Marine Le Pen in a run-off in two weeks.