German shares tumbled in bourse trade and slipped further in after-hours trading as nervousness about collapsing international markets worried German investors. Volumes were unusually low as the local pre-Lenten carnival kept many dealers out of the market.

Paris CAC-40: 1932.36 (-7.38)

French shares finished down for a third consecutive session, pressured by a fall on Wall Street and lower bond prices. But the market ended off its lows as weak French industrial production figures were expected to encourage further monetary easing. Signs of foreign interest, such as the participation of Templeton Global Investors in several companies, also helped.

Milan Mibtel: 9319 (-48)

Italian shares ended down but clawed back some losses on the back of a recovery in bonds and the lira, dealers said. Volumes were not exceptional. Operators are still cautious due to political uncertainty ahead of the April general election.