Frankfurt DAX: 3359.29 (+9.48)

German shares recovered ground after recent sharp falls, as Wall Street rose sharply following the release of producer prices figures which suggested that an interest rate rise in the short term was unlikely. In after-hours trading, the IBIS DAX Index rose as high as 3387.43, with DAX futures also trading higher. Dealers warned, however, that the market was in for a period of severe volatility.

Paris CAC-40: 2645.62 (+13.52)

The Paris market also moved higher following the sharpest fall in US producer prices in two-and-a-half years. The markets had expected a 0.1 per cent fall in the American PPI.

Milan Mibtel: 11955 (+74)

Shares closed mostly higher after Wall Street's rebound triggered a spate of bargain-hunting by foreign and domestic investors.