Frankfurt Dax: 3605.62 (+57.78)

The French left's return to power benefited the dollar and hence German export stocks, brokers said. The victory means EMU will probably have a large number of participants and will be weaker than the German mark is now. The dollar, as a safe haven currency, firmed sharply as it was fixed at 1.7216 marks in Frankfurt up 0.0216.

Paris: Cac-40 2601.45 (+17.51)

French shares ended higher defying widespread expectations of a drastic fall after Sunday's Socialist election victory and the need for Communist support, traders said.

One senior broker said the market recovery was "amazing" and the volume was huge.

The CAC-40 futures contract was up 4 at 2571 from Friday's close. Volume was a heavy 15.76 billion francs.

Milan: Mibtel 12158 (+71)

Italian stocks rallied encouraged by the surprise recovery in the French market. The strength of the lira against the mark and the rise in the dollar also helped sentiment.