Frankfurt DAX: 6108.24 (+12.96)

German shares stayed on course for record closes despite falling off their best levels for the day. The Xetra DAX index was 0.3 per cent higher at 6119.63 after surrendering a new peak of 6161.61.

Banking stocks continued to gain on renewed merger talks and the likelihood of the Japanese and Russian economies recovering, dealers said.

Paris CAC-40: 4344.30 (+87.95)

Euphoria over France's soccer World Cup victory helped propel the market to a record 4371.48 in early trade. Insurer Axa caught up with gains by financial stocks elsewhere in Europe, rising almost 8 per cent to 800 francs. Goldman Sachs said it raised the stock to "market outperformer" from "market performer" and set a price target of Ffr830.

Milan Mibtel: 25228 (+96)

The Milan market ended slightly higher but off the afternoon highs on the back of the strength in Wall Street. Dealers said that the market was in good shape to forge ahead.