Frankfurt DAX: 3415.40 (-45.19)

German shares fell further in after hours electronic trading as the weaker dollar, a lower Wall Street opening and the negative impact of a weak chemicals sector conspired to drag the index even lower. From an official close of 3415.40, the IBIS Dax - which reflects after hours trading - plunged and was on 3378.72 at the close.

Paris CAC-40: 2641.70 (-44.45)

French shares also closed sharply lower as investors took profits on the market's gains ahead of the publication of the US Federal Reserve's Beige Book and upcoming US producer prices figures. Brokers said that the market came under pressure from lower bond prices and the early fall on Wall Street.

Milan Mibtel: 11899 (-181)

The Italian market tumbled in line with the losses on other stock markets, weighed down by the weaker lira and easier bond futures, amid continuing worries over the start of EMU and domestic politics.