Frankfurt DAX: 3312.88 (+67.95)

German shares rose more than 2 per cent yesterday, holding onto earlier gains and advancing in the afternoon when Wall Street opened firmer. Dealers said there was support in the market too in the form of a stronger US dollar, which traded convincingly above 1.7 deutschmarks.

Pans CAC-40: 2572.31 (+54.43)

French shares closed sharply higher yesterday with analysts sensing a change in sentiment from last week. Stocks were buoyed by late strength in the Dow Jones on Friday, with French dealers further encouraged in the afternoon when Wall Street opened higher. Blue chip shares rose an average of over 2 per cent.

Milan Mibtel: 11932 (+249)

Italian shares closed more than 2 per cent firmer yesterday, helped by a strong rally in domestic bonds and the lira. Investor confidence was also nurtured by the trend in New York, where the Dow rose 50 points in early trading.