Frankfurt DAX: 3959.69 (+43.75)

Germany's blue-chip DAX index closed in positive territory after an early rally failed to break through resistance levels and dealers said this took some steam out of the market. The DAX-30 index closed at 3959.69, up 43.75 points or 1.12 percent and a gain of 228.75 from last Friday's close. In later screen-based trade the IBIS DAX index ended at 3941.91.

Paris CAC-40: 2861.70 (+40.51)

French shares rose sharply, propelled by the dollar's rise above 5.80 francs, strong gains in equities markets around the world and speculative interest in French financial shares.

The blue-chip index also ended the month with a 0.44 per cent increase even though the period included the stock crashes in south-east Asia that took the CAC-40 to a low of 2475.01 points. The Paris bourse has also received a boost from speculative interest in its financial shares.

Milan Mibtel: 15352 (+56)

Italian shares eased in late trade as a firm opening on Wall Street ran out of steam. Stocks had earlier made good progress as dealers squared books ahead of the expiry of futures and options contracts.