CAC-40: 2579.24 (-3.93)

The Paris bourse closed with narrow losses after losing earlier gains in a busy session marked by conflicting rumours over private opinion polls on Sunday's parliamentary run off vote.

Market talk of a private poll putting the Socialists ahead of the conservative parties deflated an earlier rise of 1.72 per cent, which had been based on a rumour of an opinion poll putting right wing parties ahead.

Thursday marked the second consecutive session closing below the psychologically important 2600 level. Nondomestic investors were said to be the main sellers.

Mibtel: 12238 (-4)

Italian stocks ended little changed in a thin market after a session of range trading with the market awaiting details of the government's three year economic target plan on Friday and the outcome of the French elections runoff on Sunday.