Frankfurt DAX: 2845.52 (+28.03)

Shares ended a record-breaking week at an all-time high, making a gain of 3 per cent in just one week. Market analysts said the DAX could now charge ahead to 2900 points by the end of the year.

Paris CAC-40: 2315.66 (+25.35)

Stocks roared ahead by 1.4 per cent to 2327.81 at one stage, eclipsing the previous intra-day high for 1996 and edging closer to its record of 2360.98 set in February 1994. The sparkling performances in Paris and Frankfurt was largely thanks to the strengthening dollar.

Milan Mibtel: 10485 (+94)

Italian shares extended their early gains to close just off the day's high on the back of surging bond futures, a stronger lira and optimism over interest rate cuts.