Frankfurt Dax 2494.40 (-6.82)

The German share market ended electronic trade sharply lower yesterday, with lacklustre trade dampened by weak domestic debt markets and futures prices.

Pans CAC-40 2064 (-6.41)

The Paris Bourse snapped a three session winning streak as the index slipped by 0.31 per cent on the day in active trading to finish at 2,064.00 points.

"It's perfectly logical for the market to take a breather after three sessions of gains," said one trader. Several operators commented that the bourse had "under performed" last year by comparison with many other markets and now seems to be coming back into favour with both French and foreign investors.

Milan Mibtel 9315 (-26)

Italian shares ended slightly easier in largely quiet trading on yesterday undermined by the weaker start on Wall Street and continued worries over political uncertainty in the run up to the April 21st general election.