Frankfurt DAX: 3562.41 (+10.43)

German shares nudged ahead slowly but many investors extended the Ascension Thursday bank holiday into a long weekend, which lowered volumes appreciably.

Paris CAC-40: 2633.91 (-9.40)

French shares closed lower yesterday, ignoring gains on Wall Street and London. Analysts said a weaker dollar and unease over the diminishing lead of the right-wing government in pre-election opinion polls bad affected sentiment.

Milan Mibtel: 12246 (-26)

Italian shares ended the week mostly easier, disregarding record gains in London, after the market lost momentum in late afternoon when Wall Street dropped back from its highs.