Frankfurt Dax: 4,117.27 (-67.64)

The failure of the dollar to keep a grip on gains above 1.79 deutschmarks sparked further losses for Germany's blue-chip DAX index yesterday with the market also undermined by a softer Dow open.

A weaker dollar makes German exports more expensive and therefore tends to take its toll on company share prices.

Paris CAC-40: 2,932.18 (-27.22)

French shares fell as the market consolidated in line with overseas markets but Paribas and some other financial stocks staged a sudden late surge in very heavy volume as takeover talk intensified.

Among the rumours was talk of a 600 franc (£69) per share SocGen bid for Paribas which some traders said was coming from London.

Milan Mibtel: 15,674 (-112)

Italian shares ended lower, just off the session bottom, with the market depressed by falls on Asian exchanges and a lower Wall Street.