DAX: 2,728.45 (+34.57)

Germany's DAX index, which measures trade in 30 blue-chip German shares, closed at an all-time high yesterday after Wall Street's strength overnight.

The DAX had spent the last few trading days consolidating just below the 2,700 point level after record highs were posted early last week, but had been widely expected to make another upward run. Everything is really positive," said one trader.

CAC 2,168.28 (+14.66)

The Paris market reached its highest point this year closing at 2,168.28, boosted by a firmer dollar and strong bond gains.

MIBTEL 9,938 (+136)

The Milan stock market shot ahead yesterday in a session marked by a technical rally following losses of the last few days. Traders said the good performance was due to the strength of financial markets in New York, London and Frankfurt, and to greater optimism about approval of the 1997 finance (budget) law.