Dax 2324.32 (-4.90)

The German stock market soared to an all time high in after hours dealing lifted by surging futures prices and the firmer dollar. The IBIS DAX index, which measures electronic trading, shot up to a record 2343.33 points late in the afternoon and settled back to close the day 6.63 points higher at 2332.81.

CAC 40 1931.21 (-11.75)

French shares finished lower after a see saw session which saw profit taking after the major gains of the last two sessions. Oils and financials, which have had a good run, were among those hit. Some operators were disappointed the Bank of France left key interest rates unchanged at the securities repo but others thought any rate cut could trigger more profit taking.

Mibtel 9507 (-46)

The Italian stock market trundled lower in a mild pullback after several days of gains, with traders watching Italy's uncertain political situation.