Frankfurt DAX: 4196.98 (+29.13)

The DAX finished electronic trading 2.6 per cent higher, at the highest level since August 21st, after a firmer dollar and a rallying Dow boosted the market. Dealers said that Friday's German holiday would subdue volumes today.

Paris CAC-40: 3054.93 (+46.67)

French shares closed the day with a big gain in strong volume. Dealers said the rise was boosted by strong gains on Wall Street after a series of indicators and they also noted a technical factor, saying the levels of 3,100 and the year and life high of 3,107 could be attacked now that the market had broken through the 3,030 level.

Milan Mibtel: 15,403 (-466)

Shares closed sharply weaker but off session lows as the already looming crisis for the government of Prime Minister, Mr Romano Prodi became a reality. Mr Prodi himself said his centre-left coalition was now in crisis, meaning its survival was at stake, and was ready for a showdown in parliament with rebellious hard-left ally Communist Refoundation.