Frankfurt DAX: 3573.69 (-21.46)

German shares weathered the storm after news that Bonn was considering selling some of its shares in Deutsche Telekom, advancing in late trade amid more signs that the risk of a US rate rise is ebbing. The IBIS DAX index, which tracks all day trade in blue chip shares, advanced in after bourse dealings on the back of a large slip in the US inflation rate in April to end at 3588.57 points. Paris CAC-40: 2774.63 (+55.05)

French shares rallied on opinion polls showing the centre right government is set to win the May 25th and June 1st elections, but dealers wondered how far the market could rise. "The international environment has become very favourable for shares with the decline in long term rates, and now that opinion polls clearly favour the right, the political risk has been very much reduced," said Mr Philippe Brossard, economist at ABN Amro.

Milan Mibtel: 12426 (+99)

Italian stocks ended firmer, helped by the rise on Wall Street and the rally on the domestic bond market.