German shares closed below their record highs of last week, but advanced on a steadier dollar to set a new record close in the postbourse session. Dealers said they were cheered to see the dollar settle at around 1.44 marks. Fears that the dollar was due for another slide had sparked a late fall in DAX prices on Friday afternoon.

Pans CAC-40: 1916.56 (-1.16)

French shares ended a featureless session almost unchanged with domestic interest in the market fizzling following the announcement of the death of ex-President Mitterand.

Milan MIBTEL: 9435 (+66)

Italian shares turned higher at the close on a selective late buying flurry after a dull day but with sentiment still moderately positive about the country's political future. Dealers said the market was directionless for most of the day but woke up in the last two hours of the session with news prompting buying interest in Olivetti and ENI.