The German share market shrugged off early jitters about the weaker dollar and set a new all time high in late trade helped by firm bund futures prices. The IBIS Dax index pushed up to a record intra day high of 2548.59 in late post bourse trade but slipped back to close at 2547.43, up 0.26 per cent. But dealers said the market's climb was on minimal volume and said a slight consolidation was on the cards today particularly if the dollar showed signs of fragility.

Paris CAC-40: 2097.34 (+16.78)

French shares closed sharply higher and, with the April CAC future breaking a resistance level to trade above 2100, the market seems positioned to move ahead further, especially given the strength of the New York market. Milan Mibtel: 9780 (-32)

Italian shares closed mostly lower as political considerations continued to overshadow the market, with growing fears that the election will result in another hung parliament.