DAX: 2678.43 (-21.10)

German stocks ended bourse dealings lower weighed upon slightly by news that the Bundesbank had left its key rates unchanged, although hopes for a rate cut had largely been dashed in advance. Bluechip engineering group MAN added to unease on the market by issuing a profit and sales warning for its trucks division, triggering a 4 per cent slide in its stock.

CAC-40: 2151.62 (+2.76)

French shares shrugged off the weakness on Wall Street to close slightly ahead on the day. Traders pushed ahead in late afternoon trading, mainly due to the close of the October account and believe that the opening of the account should support the market when it reopens today.

Mibtel: 9852 (-38)

Italian shares ended weaker after a subdued rise in early trade following Wednesday evening's 75-basis point cut in the discount rate to 7.5 percent. The discount rate cut was factored into market, dealers said.