Frankfurt DAX: 2795.80 (+18.79)

German equities ended bourse trade at a record high but failed to penetrate the 2,800 point level a psychologically important threshold for the blue chip DAX index. Share trade was underpinned by a record close on Wall Street overnight and the strength of the dollar.

Paris CAC-40: 2240.33 (+22.15)

French shares hit a new closing high on the back of a continued rally on Wall Street and underpinned a strong run in financial shares.

Milan Mibtel: 10328 (+5)

Italian shares closed mixed as late profit taking set in after a week of sustained rises in the market. Olivetti and industrial holding group Compart led the gainers but Fiat was hit by profit taking.