Frankfurt Dax: 2550.18 (+4.27)

Germany's 30-share DAX index scraped to a new record close in bourse trade, but dealers said the market lacked fresh impetus to drive prices further up. The DAX ended at 2550.18 points, up 4.27 points or 0.17 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 2111.98 (-4.56)

Shares ended the monthly account sporting a narrow loss as investors took profits after the market hit a year high on Monday. Traders said business was inflated by block trades and the market was well supported by hopes that the Bank of France would cut interest rates on Thursday.

Milan MIBTEL: 10442 (+20)

Italian shares trimmed early gains due to profit taking after Monday's leap on a positive response to the weekend win in the elections by the centre left Olive coalition led by Prof Romano Prodi.

Traders said the euphoria over the coalition's win, which could give the country a stable government and end political uncertainty, was running out of steam.