Frankfurt DAX: 5,920.25 (+130)

German shares closed above the key 5,900 points level with computer traded stocks holding their gains, but wary of moving nearer to the coveted 6,000 level.

The dollar weakened slightly against the mark, but S & P 500 futures and September DAX futures were firm.

Paris CAC-40: 4,248.24 (+32.54)

Shares were squeezed to a new record close with the Dow Jones helping to push things higher, although volumes overall were thinner than in recent weeks. Some analysts suggested the burst of late demand at the end of the first half of the year could soon be overtaken by renewed Asian worries. That could pave the way for a correction next month.

Milan Mibtel: 22,964 (+308)

The Italian bourse ended near the session highs after a final spurt in late trade, buoyed by gains across Europe and on Wall Street. Dealers said bourse is struggling at these levels and there could be consolidation later in the week.