Frankfurt DAX: 2,859.28 (+10.51)

German shares ended electronic trading up 1.5 per cent, having recouped losses from Thursday but dealers expect the market to take a breather in coming weeks to allow fundamental factors to catch up. The IBIS DAX which monitors trade in 30 blue-chip was up 1.5 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 2,282.76 (+25.79)

French shares staged a partial rebound after investors were encouraged by higher bond prices and the rise on Wall Street. The bourse also took heart from the appointment to the Bank of France's monetary council of two candidates viewed as likely to favour lower interest rates.

Milan Mibtel: 10,573 (+85)

Italian shares ended higher ahead of a long weekend with markets closed for the Epiphany.