German shares rose in a solid, if not spectacular, day's trading, amid good news from German companies and a recovery on the bond market. A good performance from US shares overnight and, stronger German bonds were the main factors in the increase in market demand.
Paris CAC-40 1983.29 (-5.18)
French shares ended lower after, hovering around the overnight level for most of the day. Dealers said that the market hesitated between further consolidation and staging a rally to take the CAC back above the 2000 level.
Milan MIBTEL 9999 (+6)
Italian shares trimmed early gains to close mixed as political worries returned to weigh on market sentiment, with prime minister designate Mr Antonio Maccanico struggling to form a new government. The centre right Freedom Alliance coalition warned yesterday that it would not back a new government unless it embraced plans to introduce a French style presidential system.
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