Frankfurt DAX 3551.9 (-16.30)

German shares took a break from their recent turbulence yesterday as activity slowed ahead of tomorrow's national holiday.

The blue chip DAX closed down 16.30, but it later ended post-bourse IBIS electronic dealings at 3357.45, pressured by a sell-off on Wall Street.

Paris CAC-40: 2,643.3 (-8.62)

French shares closed 0.33 per cent lower yesterday in a directionless market which was affected just before the close by a lower opening on Wall Street and an easier dollar, dealers said.

Milan Mibtel: 12326 (-98)

Italian shares closed mostly weaker yesterday in a tired, lacklustre market as concerns over forthcoming calls on the market for cash from ENI and San Paolo weighed on sentiment.

The all share Mibtel index finished 0.79 per cent lower at 12326 while the blue chip Mib 30 index closed 0.81 per cent down at 18395. Trading volumes dropped to 764 billion lira from 949.83. Disappointing mutual fund figures, showing a sharp slowdown in inflows into equity funds.