The Frankfurt stock market posted only a tiny gain in spite of the Bundesbank's surprise half point reduction of its two key interest rates on Thursday

The bond market rose firmly, and the average yield on government issues plummeted by 0.08 of a percentage point to 5.77 per cent.

Paris CAC-40: 2,092.45 (+6.45)

French shares closed higher helped by an early rise on Wall Street and firm bond prices.

The CAC-40 index closed up 6.49 points, or 0.31 per cent, at 2,092.45.

Analysts are divided over the market's prospects for breaching resistance at the 2,100 level.

Milan Mibtel: 9932 (+112)

The Milan stock market finished the week with a relatively optimistic session traders said.

The Mibtel index surged by 1.14 per cent on the day.