Frankfurt DAX: 3833.47 (+38.86)Germany's 30-share DAX index ended in positive territory after a day of directionless drifting, with shares undermined by a weaker dollar versus the deutschmark, dealers said. Traders said the weaker dollar was subduing any upward impetus in the market and the DAX failed to gain any lead from a vacillating US market.

Paris CAC-40: 2782.61 (+9.62)

French shares ended slightly firmer despite profit-taking after the near 3 per cent rise in the market on Monday. Brokers expect the market to remain calm for the next few weeks, with external factors dictating movements.

Milan Mibtel: 15106 (-30)

Italian shares ended slightly lower after a morose session of narrow range-trading with the market getting no impetus from a flat Wall Street and amid nervousness about Asian markets.

Insurer Generali ended off 1.62 per cent at 38,350 lire after rival German insurer Allianz made a friendly bid of 320 French francs a share for France's AGF.