Frankfurt DAX: 2428.05 (+16.12)

German shares started the week on an unsteady note, with the blue chip DAX index ending yesterday's session higher but failing to capitalise on late trading gains" from Friday as debt markets, weakened. Dealers noted that the underlying market sentiment was positive, but that a weak start on the German bond market had undermined confidence.

Paris CAC-40: 1967.67 (+7.02)

French shares ended modestly higher after tracking the bond market's ups and downs throughout the session. Market opinion was divided among those who believe further interest rate cuts are in the pipeline, which would propel shares higher, and those worried about the impact of the economic slowdown in France on corporate results.

Milan MIBTEL: 9885 (-260)

Milan shares slumped badly in late afternoon to close sharply lower as Italy's political crisis again weighed heavily on market sentiment and stocks saw little support from the sell off in domestic bonds.