Cac-40 2306.95 (+3.2)

French shares ended steady yesterday, above the psychologically important 2,300 level, supported by a firm, if tired, Wall Street.

Paris nudged higher after bond markets welcomed US durable goods orders which came in down 1.6 per cent and weaker-than-forecast jobless claims of 335,000.

Dax 2852.88 (+7.31)

German shares end their first post-Christmas day's trade up over half a percentage point yesterday, boosted by a stronger dollar but held off more significant gains by a lack of market-moving data.

Mibtel 10501 (+14)

Italian stocks ended around opening levels after a thin session yesterday with many operators prolonging the Christmas break.