Frankfurt Dax: 3674.36 (+16.50)

The German stock market extended its bull run to end at another record close, eclipsing Monday's peak, but dealers said volumes were thin. In after-hours electronic trade, the market ran out of steam. Dealers said the rally petered out mainly because of the absence of new data to drive the market past the psychologically key 3,700 point level.

Paris CAC-40: 2680.34 (+25.60)

French shares closed just below their day's high yesterday but with a big gain after Monday's 4 per cent fall on an unexpected election gain for the left. A softer Wall Street, depressed by stronger than expected May US consumer confidence, did not derail the French advance.

Milan Mibtel: 12337 (+84)

Italian shares closed firmer yesterday afternoon, but off early highs as Wall Street started lower. Volumes were reported as being generally light. Dealers said that shares had recovered after Monday's losses which followed on from the results from the first round of the French election.