Frankfurt DAX: 2,881.32 (+22.04)

German shares got the week off to a strong start on Monday, gaining around one per cent over the day amid healthy interest in blue chip auto companies and as Wall Street built further on its gains from Friday.

Initial gains were triggered by a 1.6 per cent rise on the Dow Jones on Friday and news which attracted interest to auto giants such as Daimler Benz and VW. Later gains were spurred by fresh gains in early trade on Wall Street. Volumes were weak, however, because a public holiday in southern Germany kept several large banks out of the market.

Paris CAC-40: 2,306.67 (+23.91)

French shares closed on a strong note yesterday, but failed to break through resistance at 2,306, as gains on Walt Street boosted the CAC 40 index, traders said. Dollar strength, which helps investment inflows, and hopes of continued French interest rate cuts supported the Paris market.

Milan Mibtel: 445.39 (+10.85)

Italian shares rose in line with other European markets yesterday.