Frankfurt DAX: 5102.35 (+92.59)The German market rose strongly in floor trading but failed to make any additional progress in after-hours trading, leaving the Xetra DAX just shy of the 5,100 level at the electronic close despite the firm opening Wall Street opening and good US economic numbers.

Motor stocks, however, were big losers with BMW off over 3 per cent and Volkswagen down over 2 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 3875.81 (+75.58)

French shares rallied to a new closing high after a modest correction on Monday, boosted by the higher dollar, the strong start on Wall Street and a rebound in Tokyo. Volume was boosted by the expiry of March futures and options as well as some portfolio adjustments at the end of the first quarter.

Milan Mibtel: 24583 (+280)

The Milan market continued its headlong stampede, lifted by record inflows of cash as investors moved out of bonds and into equities.