Frankfurt DAX: 2674.22 (-4.21)

The Frankfurt stock market suffered a small loss - 0.16 per cent - on the day. Traders said the fall had been modest in the light of Wall Street losses on Thursday and of a weak bond market.

Paris CAC-40: 2162.43 (+10.81)

The Paris Bourse scored a respectable gain of 0.5 per cent on share volume of 4.1 billion francs. Traders noted that bond markets in France and Germany improved after statements by Bundesbank member, Mr Ernst Welteke, who said a farther reduction of German interest rates could not be ruled out.

Milan Mibtel: 9827 (-25)

The Milan stock market suffered a moderate setback as the Mibtel index gave 0.25 per cent on the day.