Frankfurt Dax: 4333.13 (-21.02)

The dollar's slide from last week's highs against the mark and Friday's decline on Wall Street weighed on German shares, but the firm Bund market saved the market from a significant sell-off.

In post-bourse dealings, prices weathered a renewed early slip on Wall Street amid reassuring mild dollar gains. The IBIS DAX ended the day at 4333.15, unchanged from the official close.

Paris CAC-40: 2983.44 (-12.83)

French shares finished the day lower, but off their worst levels. The shares drifted briefly into positive territory, tracking Wall Street when it moved higher, before falling into the red again as the Dow turned negative. Activity was modest as traders geared up for the three-day holiday weekend.

Milan MIBTEL: 14375 (-197)

Italian shares ended lower as the US stock market turned lower again following Friday's sell-off, while volumes on the Milan bourse were again generally thin in August holiday trade, dealers said.