Frankfurt, DAX: 4438.93 (+17.21) The DAX share index hit a new high yesterday, and ended on a new closing high. Analysts said another successful run on Wall Street on Wednesday underpinned early gains on the market.

"We were a bit shaky at the beginning. Volumes are a little lower than in recent days," one broker said.

CAC-40: 3075.67 (+6.37) French shares also climbed to a fresh record close last night, but came off the day's high after being dented by the latest US data that stoked inflationary fears, traders said.

The strength of the dollar provided underlying support for the market, one analyst said.

Mibtel: 14694 (-111) Italian shares tumbled by the close yesterday, as selling set in first on futures and then in cash after Wall Street and bonds slid following the US data.

"Someone started selling on the futures and then it spread to the cash market," one broker said, adding that he saw no reason domestically for the fall.