German shares closed bourse trade stronger yesterday, having, traded in a narrow range during the session, and unmoved by the Bundesbank's decision to leave key German interest rates unchanged. The continued strength of the dollar and a positive overnight close on Wall Street lifted shares during the session.

PARIS CAC 40 2124.64 (+2.56)

shares rallied towards the close to end with small gains, after trading in negative ground for much of the day. Traders said the market lacked conviction ahead of today's Ascension Day holiday. There was little reaction to the Bundesbank's earlier decision to leave interest rates unchanged.

Milan Mibtel: 10590 (-38)

Milan shares closed easier yesterday as this week's rally appeared to run out of steam and some stocks were seen as overbought, while the market paused for breath ahead of the expiry of options tomorrow.