DAX:2532.29 (+21.62)

German shares ended their bourse session up 21 points, but the electronically traded IBIS DAX was down around two points. Dealers said that trade was likely to be steady, but the focus was definitely on key US non farm payroll data for August due tomorrow, which could set the tone for US interest rates.

Paris CAC-40: 1984.77 (+13.34)

In Paris, French stocks traded around 15 points higher, helped by firmer bond prices ignoring Wall Street's opening dips. Oil stocks Total and Elf Aquitaine, which have risen on the back of higher oil prices, extended, their gains after Total confirmed investor expectations of good results by reporting a 45, per cent jump in its first half profit.

Milan Mibtel: 9339 (+4)

Italian stocks ended largely steady in sluggish trading with the focus on Olivetti shares which bounced around violently after the surprising resignation late on Tuesday of group chairman Mr Carlo de Benedetti.