German shares closed down but were lifted off session lows as German debt markets' recovered on worse than expected 1995 economic growth and a dim outlook for 1996.
The market had opened weaker after a 97 point drop in the Dow Jones index on Wednesday.
CAC-40 1897.85 (-12.26)
The Paris bourse recorded a substantial loss, its sixth straight negative session. Trading was quiet with volume of FFr3.5 billion.
Operators said the loss was mainly due to widespread economic uncertainties in Europe, in the wake of further signs of economic slowdowns in both France and Germany. But the bourse hopes the Bank of France will lower interest rates markedly in the next few months.
Mibtel 9336 (-23)
The Milan bourse recorded a moderate loss, as investors worried about the Italian political situation. The market was also hurt by Wall Street's marked weakness.
