Frankfurt DAX: 3604.55 (+42.44)

Dealers predicted yesterday that German shares would stay at their high levels next week after the market closed at a record level last night, with the main DAX index breaking through the 3,600 barrier for the first time.

Paris CAC-40: 2784.28 (+8.27)

French shares rose to a fresh record close yesterday after a ground breaking advance on Wall Street helped lift the Bourse's main index, the CAC-40, to an all time intra day high above 2,800 points. As with Frankfurt, the exchange will be closed on Monday for the Pentecost bank holiday.

Milan Mibtel: 12500 (+96)

Italian shares closed firmer, but below the day's highs, as a downturn in BTP futures took the edge off the market.