Frankfurt Dax: 3028.67 (+51.96)

Germany's 30-share IBIS DAX index continued its dollar driven rally ending the day strongly ahead, having survived a downward hiccup in the afternoon when Wall Street opened lower.

While dealers are still forecasting a correction, they said they will make the most of the bull run for as long as it lasts and the IBIS DAX index, which measures electronic trade in German shares, ended at 3026.63 points.

Paris CAC-40: 2442.46 (+32.58)

French stocks were propelled to a new high, driven by the stronger dollar which is expected to boost the French economy.

The dollar has risen by 10 per cent against the French franc in the space of two months, boosting French exports and investment. Dollar-based stocks such as oil companies were the main beneficiaries with Elf and Total up by over three per cent.

Milan MIBTEL: 12431 (+208)

The Italian interest rate cut pushed the market higher with huge buying orders flowing into the market from domestic in vestment funds.