Frankfurt DAX: 4103.65 (+56.28)

The Frankfurt market slipped back from its highs in electronic after-hours trading with the IBIS DAX closing on 4084.31, well below the 4196.75 high reached earlier in the day. The lack of any follow-up gains by Wall Street, a shortage of buyers, a weaker dollar and stronger-than-expected German industrial production figures all conspired to bring the market back.

Paris CAC-40: 2917.92 (-3.23)

French shares ended a touch easier as investors took profits after the previous day's 4 per cent gains. A dip by the dollar also helped to trigger the profit-taking. Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi fell by almost 5 per cent after reporting first half figures well below market expectations.

Milan Mibtel: 14595 (-36)

Italian shares drifted lower as the US stock market pared its early gains and the dollar weakened. Banking shares were the most active, with several large banks in the middle of restructuring plans or expected to announce such plans soon.