DAX: 2993.31 (+4.86)

German shares turned higher after a slow start with the DAX led up by the futures market to fresh record highs and coming tantalisingly close to the magical 3000-point level. The DAX closed the bourse session up 4.86 points at a record closing high of 2993.31, having earlier hit a record intra-day high of 2,998.61 and having risen over 20 points from an early low of 2970.45. In post-bourse trade the index rose 19.56 to 2996.12.

CAC-40: 2407.77 (+19.79)

French stocks closed at a record high and the market remained in a bullish mood despite the Bank of France's inaction on interest rates. The market was supported by gains on Wall Street, a strong dollar and rising debt markets in France. The blue-chip CAC-40 index closed up 19.79 points or 0.83 per cent at 2407.77. The CAC-40 futures contract was down two points at 2408.

Mibtel: 12073 (+195)

Italian shares continued to surge, lifted to new highs by a flood of buy orders from domestic funds.