DAX: 2659.25 (-19.48)

German shares recovered some ground in after-hours electronic trading with the IBIS Dax closing on 2671 on the back of a firmer dollar and firmer German bond prices. Dealers believe that shares will hover around their current level today with most eyes focused on key American economic figures. Volumes, however, are expected to be light because of a public holiday in some German states.

CAC-40: 2140.51 (+15.75)

The Paris market closed sharply higher but trading was light with only the expiry of October options providing any impetus to a market which was visibly winding down for the All Saints holiday. The market ignored a five basis point in Banque de France rates and also a record September unemployment figure of 12.6 per cent.

Mibtel: 9626 (+38)

Italian shares closed generally higher in thin trading ahead of the three-day weekend, helped by the lira and stronger bond prices.