Dax: 4414.35 (+78.96)

German shares continued their onward march in after-hours trading with the IBIS Dax trading up to 4456.80, leaving the market just short of its all-time high.

Floor trade in Frankfurt ended up 2 per cent at 4414.35, supported by a firm start on Wall Street and receding anxieties about a possible interest rate hike. The market focus remained on banking shares with Deutsche Bank among the top volume shares, rising 3.05 marks to 119.75, amid speculation about further mergers or takeovers.

CAC-40: 3056.34 (+19.25)

The Paris bourse, which ended nearly 2 per cent higher on Wednesday, made further healthy gains yesterday, on the back of the strong gains on international equity market.

Mibtel: 14823 (+131)

Italian shares ended higher and followed the stronger opening on Wall Street and the record levels in London. Support from the market also came from comments by Prime Minister Prodi, who said he saw no need for a rise in European interest rates.