DAX: 4071.68 (-31.97)

Germany's IBIS DAX index, which represents computer trading outside bourse hours, ended at 4,093.43, up just 31.30 from Wednesday and 21.75 above the floor trading close.

The Bundesbank's policymaking central council left its key interest rates unchanged, as expected, but many economists say signs of stronger economic growth mean the bank will probably be forced to lift rates some time in the coming months.

CAC-40: 2926.99 (+9.07) The Paris Bourse wound up with a moderate gain, the CAC-40 Index finishing the day at 2,926.99 points, up 0.31 per cent by comparison with the Wednesday close. Share volume, pushed up by trading in Carrefour, reached a strong 9.5 billion francs on the monthly settlement market.

Mibtel: 14626 (+31) Italian shares closed little changed, as investors were reluctant to take positions ahead of US August employment figures due out today. Banking and construction shares were the biggest gainers.