Frankfurt DAX: 2,545.91 (+9.39)

German shares ended a relatively quiet bourse session at a record high close yesterday, boosted by a strong dollar, firm German bonds and interest rate cut speculation.

Paris CAC-40: 2,116.54 (+24.09)

French shares closed more than 1 per cent higher, boosted by hopes of a rate cut by the Bank of France this Thursday, following earlier 1/4 point base rate reductions by commercial lenders and last week's easing by the Bundesbank.

Milan Mibtel: 10,422 (+490)

Italian shares tore up around 5 per cent yesterday following the centre left Olive coalition victory in Sunday's elections.

Volumes were substantial at 1.85 trillion lire, dealers said.

Traders said the election result, with the centre left coming out as the strongest power in both upper and lower parliamentary houses, had forced some players into buying unexpectedly in order not to miss the rally. "It's been a case of close your eyes and take the offer," one broker said.