Frankfurt Dax: 2703.83 (+29.61)

German shares got the week off to a solid start yesterday as the firm dollar and a stream of positive corporate news helped ease the tension which sparked sharp market declines last week.

Heavyweight blue chip companies including Daimler-Benz and BASF led an advance which added over 1 per cent to the 30share DAX index.

Paris CAC-40: 2150.39 (-12.04)

French shares closed easier in consolidation from recent highs and on caution about a series of US data including inflation, economic growth and unemployment, as well as the pending presidential elections, dealers said.

Milan Mibtel: 9788 (-39)

Italian stocks ended lower in thin trading yesterday but shares in energy giant, ENI, trading today after a successful second tranche offering, closed positive despite paring some gains.