Frankfurt DAX: 2906.34 (+20.21)

German stocks fell back below the 2900 threshold in after hours electronic trading as Wall Street weakened after its firm opening.

The German market is underpinned, however, by the stronger dollar and firm bond prices although investors may stay out of the market ahead of US producer prices today and key non farm payroll figures tomorrow.

Paris CAC-40: 2331.62 (+29.93)

The French market finished sharply higher in line with other European markets, which themselves were supported by the firmer opening on Wall Street and the firmer dollar. But - as with the German market - French investors warned that no substantial move forward is likely ahead of the key US economic figures today and tomorrow.

Milan Mibtel: 10730 (+138)

Italian shares pushed ahead firmly, spurred by signs that domestic investors may be poised to switch more funds into equities from bonds and by heavy buying of telecommunications stocks.