Victory of French left boosts prices

Frankfurt Dax: 3605.62 (+57.78)

Frankfurt Dax: 3605.62 (+57.78)

The French left's return to power benefited the dollar and hence German export stocks, brokers said. The victory means EMU will probably have a large number of participants and will be weaker than the German mark is now. The dollar, as a safe haven currency, firmed sharply as it was fixed at 1.7216 marks in Frankfurt up 0.0216.

Paris: Cac-40 2601.45 (+17.51)

French shares ended higher defying widespread expectations of a drastic fall after Sunday's Socialist election victory and the need for Communist support, traders said.

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One senior broker said the market recovery was "amazing" and the volume was huge.

The CAC-40 futures contract was up 4 at 2571 from Friday's close. Volume was a heavy 15.76 billion francs.

Milan: Mibtel 12158 (+71)

Italian stocks rallied encouraged by the surprise recovery in the French market. The strength of the lira against the mark and the rise in the dollar also helped sentiment.