Frankfurt rises in dull day

Frankfurt Dax: 4,121.79 (+78.77)

Frankfurt Dax: 4,121.79 (+78.77)

German shares closed higher yesterday ahead of the three-day Christmas holiday. Dealers said trade was characterised by typical pre-holiday lethargy and would likely remain subdued next week.

The all-day computer-traded Xetra Dax added 7.25 points to close at 4,132.79, not far from the day's highs.

Paris CAC-40: 2,858.13 (-11.6)

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French shares closed slightly lower after a quiet, rangebound day. The market was capped by worries in Asia and end of year doldrums while a lower Wall Street opening and a weaker dollar also weighed on prices.

Most of the action was in the drinks sector with Pernod Ricard rising 5.28 per cent to 356.90 francs after announcing on Monday that it was selling its Orangina drinks business to Coca Cola.

Milan Mibtel: 16,238 (+70)

Italian shares eased off session highs by the close, influenced by a weaker dollar and a lower Wall Street. The all-share Mibtel index had touched a historic high of 16,367 in early trade.