Frankfurt DAX: 4,167.85 (+63.58)

Germany's blue-chip DAX index ended firmer after a rally inspired by Wall Street's gains and a firmer dollar.

Dealers said the Bundesbank's announcement that it was keeping the repo rate unchanged at a fixed rate of 3 per cent did not come as a surprise, but added that the steady bond market was another supportive factor for shares.

Paris CAC-40: 3008.26 (+19.30)

French shares ended up yesterday, but off their best with the index carried by dollar strength back over the 3,000 level despite a shaky patch when September futures and options expired.

Brokers said there was little overall impulse in the market ahead of a US Federal Reserve's open market committee meeting.

Milan Mibtel: 15,869 (+54)

Italian stocks erased earlier gains to close just a touch higher, as uncertainty over whether the government had enough votes in parliament to pass its 1998 budget weighed on shares along with a lacklustre opening on Wall Street.