DAX:3229.48 (+13.34)

German shares continued their record setting advance with the 30 share DAX index hitting a fresh closing high of 3229.48 points in floor trade. In later screen based trading the IBIS DAX was at 3233 points. Traders said the market found support from export sensitive shares, including car makers Volkswagen AG, which ended up 15.5 marks at 818 marks, and BMW.

CAC-40:2628.41 (+29.08)

French shares struck a new trading record of 2631.89 in early trade but then slipped after briefly spiking up on the US jobs figures. Dealers said shares were supported by Wall Street, a strong dollar and firm bond prices. Generale des Eaux was off its highs but still 3.87 per cent higher on news it had been selected as industrial.

Mibtel:12587 (+97)

Italian shares ended higher after an uncertain see saw day when the market overcame worries about the Government's apparent wavering commitment to tough financial discipline and Wall Street's lower opening.