Frankfurt Dax: 2435.97 (-28.18)

The German stock market turned lower by the close of postbourse trade, weighed down by a weak opening on Wall Street and lower German debt prices.

The market spent much of the afternoon unsure of itself, weighed down by bunds and towed along by speculation in the US about possible Fed moves on US interest rates.

Paris CAC-40: 1932.07 (-16.82)

French shares closed lower, pressured by nervousness about Wall Street's direction - the Dow was off around 1 per cent when the bourse closed and weaker bonds.

One trader said the Paris market deepened its losses after the CAC-40 March futures contract fell through support at 1941-42 points.

Milan Mibtel: 9412 (-21)

Shares on the Milan hourse drifted lower in thin afternoon trading, with most investors focusing on the US where Wall Street tumbled more than 50 points in early trading.