Frankfurt DAX: 3,699.07 (+14.47)

Despite some bouts of profit taking ahead of the weekend, shares continued to gain ground. The market was underpinned by gains on Wall Street and by the dollar remaining above DM1.72. The exchange set a new high of 3,708.25 in after hours trading.

Paris CAC-40: 2,719.25 (+ 28.4)

The French market continued to ignore political uncertainty and closed higher for the sixth successive trading day. Shares were helped by the strong rally on Wall Street.

Milan Mibtel: 12,277 (+ 21)

Italian shares had a mixed day. The session was dominated by the banks and industrial stocks which were boosted by a landmark deal between the unions and the banks on job cuts in the banks.