Frankfurt DAX 2542.24 (-18.22)

German stocks ended floor trade lower yesterday depressed by a lower overnight close on Wall Street, weaker debt markets and thin volumes ahead of the holiday weekend. Dealers said lower futures prices had also driven the cash market down and there was a general feeling shares could be due for a correction after scaling new heights earlier in the week.

Paris CAC-40 2117.65 (+3.20)

French shares closed fractionally firmer in cautious trade after a day trapped in a narrow range before the long weekend.

Milan Mibtel 10552 (-51)

Shares ended lower after spending the day in negative territory during quiet trading dominated by professional trading with little real interest from overseas.