Frankfurt DAX 2,510.32 (+6.30)

Shares closed trade just off all time highs as the favourable outcome from the weekend's state elections boosted sentiment on the German share market. The IBIS DAX index of 30 blue-chips closed trade up 34.96 points, or 1.41 per cent, at 2,514.80. Earlier the DAX closed floor trade at an all time high of 2,510.32, up 6.30 points or 0.25 per cent.

Paris CAC 402,003.83 (+29.48)

Shares rallied sharply, closing above 2,000 points for the first time since March 7th, as the bourse tracked strong gains in US and German financial markets. The CAC 40 index closed up 29.48, or 1.49 per cent, at 2,003.83 after breaching resistance at the 2,000 level.

Milan Mibtel 9310 (-68)

Italian stocks ended around 0.6 per cent down in minimal volumes with a late flurry of activity on blue chips pushing turnover up at the last minute.

The market continues to wait for Italy's general election on April 21st, with players sitting on their hands until then.