Frankfurt Dax: 2331.88 (+7.56)

THE German stock market, which climbed to new heights this week, took a steep dive in after hours trading after the dollar slid sharply on worries about the continuing battle over the US budget. The IBIS DAX ended the day at 2.315.66.

Paris CAC-40: 1917.72 (-13.49)

French shares finished softer, mirroring losses on bond markets and early weakness on Wall Street. As the US budget wrangle continues to unsettle investors, the franc sported an easier tone.

Milan MIBTEL: 9369 (-138)

Italian shares shed 1.5 per cent after scrambling back from a loss of two per cent caused by political uncertainty.