Frankfurt DAX: 4171.45 (+31.95)

Germany's DAX index ended up, but well below the day's best levels and retreated further in post-bourse electronic trading, as Wall Street opened weaker and concerns over Asian markets weighed.

Dealers said shares had also been hit by disappointment over paltry trade volumes seen in Germany and by the dollar edging off its recent highs. After-hours trading saw the IBIS-DAX close on 4124.86.

Paris CAC-40: 2958.06 (-31.83)

The French bourse closed slightly lower, retreating in sympathy with the dollar and Wall Street, traders said. Dealers said the market was very technical but added the turmoil on Asian financial markets and fears of another round of interest rate rises were contributing to the gloom.

Milan Mibtel: 15997 (-26)

The Italian market closed down marginally but dealers said that prices were not under pressure, boosted by the continued activity in Telecom Italia.