Frankfurt DAX: 3942.53 (+55.14)

German shares closed higher yesterday, but off the DAX index's record 3,945.68 reached early in the day.and many now expect shares to consolidate next week.

Paris CAC-40: 2934.48 (-2.50)

French shares closed the day slightly lower, consolidating recent gains. But traders said activity was sluggish due to the fact that Wall Street was closed because of the Independence Day public holiday.

Milan Mibtel: 13608 (+5)

Italian shares closed mixed yesterday afternoon in a relatively subdued session with overseas investor interest curtailed by the US bank holiday.