Frankfurt DAX: 2628.08 (-1.79)

German shares ran out of steam yesterday to end bourse trade flat after a two-day rally, with dealers saying there was now the possibility of a small correction in stock values. The market remained unmoved by signals from central bankers and finance ministers at the Franco-German summit in Bavaria that Europe was firmly committed to launching the single currency on time.

Paris CAC-40: 2080.86 (-5.33)

Shares finished lower, reversing their gains in late trade as rate hike fears in the US drove Wall Street lower, dealers said. The bourse had moved into positive territory in early afternoon trade and managed to hold its slight gains after the release of US economic statistics for August.

Milan Mibtel: 9588 (-66)

Shares in Milan closed easier while watching the retreat on Wall Street and in London while the freefall of Olivetti continued to undermine investor confidence as the shares struggled in vain to trade throughout the day.