Frankfurt DAX: 4302.68 (+5.4)

German shares ended bourse dealings with modest gains as a stable overnight close on Wall Street and a firmer dollar took pressure off the domestic market.

The IBIS DAX, which reflects all-day computer dealings, later ended at 4325.86 points as the German market shrugged off early weakness on Wall Street.

Market dealings during the bourse session focused on the decision of the powerful Bundesbank to leave monetary policy on hold for the time being by keeping the securities repurchase rate, or repo rate, fixed at 3 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 2984.10 (-8.31)

French shares trimmed their losses in lacklustre holiday trading after sinking on fears of a German interest rate increase to protect the deutschmark. Dealers believe, however, that the French market may come under renewed pressure later in the week.

Milan Mibtel: 14324 (-114)

Italian stocks lost early gains but closed above the session's lows after a nervous session, with the market being depressed by the strength of the dollar and a poor performance by bonds.