Frankfurt DAX: 5234.88 (+71.37)

Germany's DAX was carried to a higher finish and above a key support level after gains were made on Wall Street. The market was nervous and trading was volatile amid concerns about economic and political instability in Russia. The decision by Russian president, Mr Yeltsin, to sack the government did not re-assure the market.

Paris CAC-40: 3937.43 (-6.25)

Paris, usually a faithful tracker of Wall Street, failed to match New York's opening gain and underperformed Frankfurt with the August holiday factor still figuring amid broader qualms.

Among stocks hit by sustained Asian and Latin American worries were Lagardere, which fell by over 3 per cent to 235.1 francs, while Accor lost 2.45 per cent at 3504 francs.

Milan Mibtel: 23034 (+67)

The Milan bourse ended firmer but off the days highs after a volatile session which saw indices oscillate between negative and positive territory. Wall Street gains and Frankfurt recovery pulled Italian stocks higher in afternoon trade.