Christmas cheer buoys share prices

Frankfurt was buffeted by yesterday's futures expiry, ending 45.37 higher at 4,732.11 on the Xetra Dax.

Frankfurt was buffeted by yesterday's futures expiry, ending 45.37 higher at 4,732.11 on the Xetra Dax.

Adidas-Salomon gained DM15.30 at DM184.80. Preussag jumped DM34.40, or 4.8 per cent, to DM735.05 on news of plans to expand its travel agent operations with a bid for the German group, First Reiseburo.

Steel leader Thyssen added DM10.90 at DM287. Paris ended 43.70 higher at 3,751.17 on the CAC-40 index after a slightly busier session for a three-day gain of 2.4 per cent.