Frankfurt DAX: 2702.99 (+11.82)

Germany's blue chip DAX index ended bourse dealings just shy of its all time high, buoyed by the firmer dollar, strong bonds and surprising news from the telecommunications sector. The 30 share DAX closed floor trading two points off the record of 2704.74. In post bourse trade the DAX index stood at 2685.23.

Paris CAC-40: 2146.71 (-14.83)

French shares finished in the red after rumours about the health of the Russian President, Mr Boris Yeltsin, pulled Wall Street sharply lower. Russia later denied the rumours and said Mr Yeltsin was in satisfactory condition. The blue chip CAC-40 index finished down 0.69 per cent.

Milan Mibtel: 9948 (-51)

Italian shares fell sharply after a firmer start as Wall Street opened lower and many individual stocks ran out of steam after making gains earlier in the week. Olivetti was supported in early trading by reports that NEC or Sony might be interested in buying its personal computer business.