Frankfurt DAX: 4169.62 (+91.02)

Germany's after-hours IBIS DAX index ended electronic dealings well up on the official Frankfurt market close, after a strong afternoon performance on Wall Street and a more stable dollar lifted the market.

Fears of a German rate rise eased further with the announcement of lower-than-expected money supply figures for July. The IBIS DAX ended the day at 4190.45 points.

Paris CAC-40: 2936.16 (+66.03)

French shares closed more than 2 per cent higher, boosted by the strength on Wall Street and the gains by the dollar. Oils led the market higher and claimed much of the trading volumes, with Elf up almost 6 per cent after announcing a new oil discovery off Angola.

Milan Mibtel: 14292 (+167)

The Milan market closed more than 1 per cent higher, taking its cue from Wall Street. Traders said that business on the market was slow, with foreign investors showing little interest and many domestic investors on holidays.