Frankfurt Dax 2564.00 (+2.61)

German shares ended trade slightly higher after a lacklustre trading session which saw shares braked by weakness in the German bond market. The IBIS Dax index ended the day at 2574.44 points, up three points or 0.12 per cent. Investors held off taking new positions, preferring to await the outcome of this week's US Federal Open Market Committee meeting for signals on interest rates.

Paris CAC-40 2118.75 (-4.95)

French shares ended weaker ahead of the Fed meeting, with some profit taking after last Friday's gains. Dealers do not expect the Fed to increase US rates but some investors are reluctant to take any risk ahead of a formal decision by the Fed.

Milan MIBTEL 10456 (-43)

Shares in Milan ended lower in thin trading, with the market weighed down by losses in some blue chip companies. The equity market ignored a firmer tone on the domestic bond market and the stronger opening on Wall Street.