German shares closed floor trade at a record high, more than 2 per cent stronger, undeterred by the dull dollar. Motor manufacturer BMW was the biggest declining stock due to the effect of a scrip issue involving a one-for-five dilution of stock.

Electronically traded shares climbed more than 1 per cent, also closing at a new record high. The Xetra DAX closed at 5,514.51.

Paris CAC-40: 4047.92 (+67.08)

French shares put in another stout performance, surging in the closing minutes to end up 1.69 per cent at a new record high. The gain followed a 0.9 per cent rise in the previous session.

Strength in banks, dollar-earners and blue-chips helped send the market higher.

Milan Mibtel: 23,780 (-50)

The Milan bourse ended slightly softer after sparse volume failed to hold opening gains. The market moved lower after the Italian Justice Minister, Mr Giovanni Maria Flick, offered his resignation, which was rejected.