Frankfurt Dax: 3,866.68 (+ 54.23)

The Frankfurt stock market posted a solid gain, closing 1.42 per cent ahead, on positive domestic corporate news. Traders said the Thyssen/Krupp merger news was seen as positive for the firms and the market mood as a whole.

Paris CAC-40: 2,822.42 (+47.52)

The Paris Bourse nipped ahead strongly and the CAC 40 index finished the day 1.71 per cent ahead. The strong gain came despite a spot of profit-taking at the end of the session.

Milan MIBTEL: 15,033 (+34.49)

Italian stocks ended a touch firmer but off session highs as Wall Street moved lower in the late afternoon. The All-share Mibtel index closed 0.25 per cent higher, falling from a session high at 15,175 and the Mib 30 blue chip index ended 0.23 per cent firmer at 22,157. Dealers said there was a bit of range trading in the afternoon but added that the market was susceptible to external factors. Advances outnumbered declines by 127 to 104, with 19 stocks unchanged.