Frankfurt DAX: 5,724.75 (+232)

The German Xetra DAX ended up more than 2 per cent at a record close, buoyed by gains on Wall Street and general market liquidity. German shares were fuelled by strength in car stocks, particularly Volkswagen and BMW, after Volkswagen was successful with its Rolls-Royce bid.

Paris CAC-40: 4,185.05 (+66.02)

French shares powered to another record close after getting a fresh boost from a buoyant Dow Jones index following strong US jobs data. Traders said the market is looking unstoppable at present.

Milan Mibtel: 24,220 (+299)

Italian shares closed near the day's highs, supported by gains in foreign markets and by a partial recovery in prices of banks Banca di Roma and BCI.