German shares ended trade steady yesterday, off earlier highs but comfortably ahead on the day, despite trading in only a 10 point range. Trading volumes were stifled by a half day holiday in the Frankfurt area, especially post bourse when many market players were absent.

Paris CAC-40 2132.90 (+15.25)

In Paris, the bourse displayed a firm tone after a three day break, which the London market had also enjoyed. The index opened with a 0.24 per cent gain and finished the day up 0.72 per cent from the Friday close. Trading was fairly active with volume of four billion francs.

Milan Mibtel 10625 (+8)

Italian stocks gave up early gains to end largely flat yesterday as Wall Street dipped on profit taking and shares ignored the firmer trend to domestic bonds and the lira, dealers said.

The market had started firmer but speculative selling on futures and the influence of US stocks pushed shares down.