Frankfurt DAX: 5297.35 (-44.34)

The Frankfurt share market lost ground due to profit-taking as the DAX index shed 0.83 per cent on the day to end at 5297.35 points. "The market's yo-yoing, staying in a consolidation phase," said one broker. "We're basically on a downtrend, but without any real selling pressure, and the DAX is going to be in a range of 5,200 to 5,300 points for a time."

The Frankfurt bond market dropped sharply, and the average yield on government issues jumped by 0.05 point to 4.83 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 3987.33 (-29.91)

The Paris Bourse took a breather, losing 0.74 per cent. The French bond market also lost ground. On Monday, the index had risen above 4,000 points to hit its 30th record closing high of the year.

Milan Mibtel: 24344 (-315)

The Italian market closed well down in light volumes and little happening on the corporate front to provide the market with much stimulation.