Frankfurt DAX: 3,548.52 (-17.17)

The German share market hit a record high in bourse trade yesterday, powered ahead by overnight gains in the US and Japan, but its advance was scuppered by a sharp dip in the dollar in late trade.

In a volatile late post-bourse session, the IBIS DAX index plunged to a low of 3,537.98 points, 75 points off its record intraday high, before firming partially to close down 0.5 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 2,651.93 (-20.91)

Paris was the only major European bourse to show substantial losses yesterday. French stocks opened higher but quickly fell and were 0.8 per cent down by early afternoon.

French investors were clearly anxious over the outcome of the May 25th-June 1st parliamentary election which polls suggest will be a tight race.

Milan Mibtel: 12,424 (+91)

Italian stocks ended higher yesterday after a firmer start on Wall Street and encouraging data on Italy inflation for April, while domestic bonds were also higher, dealers said.