German shares held modest gains in late trade, underpinned by a higher Wall Street opening, a strengthening dollar and firm bonds, dealers said.

The market is expected to hold gains amid quiet trading today, but the scope for higher rises is receding ahead of tomorrow's regional public holiday.

Paris CAC 40 2111.00 (-10.10)

Stocks closed slightly weaker yesterday, ignoring Wall Street and marginally firmer bond prices. Traders said there was disappointment that the June figures tried but failed to break resistance at around 2,102 and this contributed to depressing the market.

"We expect a significant rebound tomorrow," one dealer said.

Milan Mibtel 10574 (+16)

Shares edged up into positive territory at the close helped by the sharp rise in Pirelli and Olivetti shares and supported by the firmer trend to domestic bonds, dealers said.