DAX: 2529.54 (-2.85)

German shares ended bourse trade little changed, shrugging off a small rise in German jobless data for August and GDP data amid limited buying interest before today's US jobless figures.

The Bundesbank's decision to leave its key rates unchanged, as expected, failed to move the market. Dealers said news of a 14,000 rise in German unemployment in August compared to last month had been largely expected.

CAC-40: 1996.23 (+11.46)

The Paris market advanced, confirming a rally that had got underway on Wednesday, traders said. The market was encouraged by a firm bond market, despite new upward tensions on US long rates.

Mibtel: 9284 (-55)

Italian shares closed easier and in a sober mood with Olivetti shares suspended, but stocks moved off the early day's lows helped by a rally in bonds and the lira, dealers said.