DAX: 2473.55 (+1.05)

THE German stock market set new high but failed to hold its gains and ended floor trade only marginally higher as futures prices weakened. The DAX index reached a record 2484.48 points near the open.

The market was unmoved by the Bundesbank's decision to keep its rates unchanged after its regular council meeting.

CAC-40: 1990.77 (-6.12)

French shares closed slightly lower in a listless market after recent excitement over Paribas's provisions and Chargeurs's demerger plans.

The market had started higher, breaking the 2,000 level briefly on hopes of rate cuts, but none were forthcoming.

Mibtel: 9698 (+7)

Italian shares managed to just pull themselves into positive territory in late trading after a lacklustre day of weakness and very thin volumes. Wall Street's recovery helped turn the tide towards the session end.