German shares, helped by the stronger dollar and early Wall Street gains, surged about 2.6 per cent in active after-hours trading. The DAX-30 index had closed at 4083.97, up 23.93 points or 0.59 per cent, but in later screen-based trade the IBIS DAX index ended at 4150.31, up over 3 per cent.

CAC-40: 2912.18 (+73.91)

French shares closed with a rise of more than 2 per cent in strong volume, heartened by a firm Wall Street, strong dollar and rises on other European bourses. The CAC-40 index closed at 2912.18, up 73.91 points, or 2.60 per cent.

Milan MIBTEL: 16161 (+398)

Italian shares rose in late trading to close near to record highs with a buying spree fuelled by a sharp rise on Wall Street, investor hopes of an early discount rate cut and short-covering after the FIB30 index futures contract broke through a key resistance level.

The All Share Mibtel index closed at 16161, up 398 points, or 2.52 per cent.