The German market was lifted by early interest in bank and chemical stocks and was under pinned by the firmer dollar. A spot of good company news also helped the market, dealers said.

The Frankfurt market rolled up a strong gain as the DAX index finished at 2,525.42 points, a new record closing high, up 1.04 per cent by comparison with 2,499.32 at the Tuesday close.

Paris CAC 40: 2,030.51 (+22.56)

The Paris Bourse powered ahead, making solid gains to reach its highest closing level so far this year. Trading volumes improved, reaching five billion francs.

The market notched up a solid gain as the CAC 40 index finished the day at 2,030.51 points, up 1.12 per cent by comparison with the Tuesday close.

Milan MIBTEL: 9,205 (+64)

Italian shares shook off a poor start to end higher. The uncertain political outlook threatened to drag stocks lower but a firmer Wall Street helped to support key stocks.