Frankfurt DAX: 3244.93 (+29.69)

In Frankfurt, where the market gained almost 1 per cent in bourse floor trade, buying interest focused on the export driven chemical and car industries. But dealers were wary about prospects after sharp recent losses.

"Monday is the earliest we will really be able to tell if we have found a real floor," said one Frankfurt dealer. The Frankfurt market extended its gains in later electronic trade but then, like London, rapidly fell back.

Paris CAC-40: 2517.97 (+3.45)

French shares, which had also been up around 1 per cent earlier, slipped into losses in mid afternoon following weaker bond markets. Thomson CSF fell 4 per cent to 185.20 francs. The French government said Britain's General Electric was not eligible to bid for it. GEC was down 6 1/2 pence at 380.

Milan Mibtel: 11683 (+74)

Italian shares picked up in late trading but still closed off their highs after breathing a sigh of relief after the benevolent US employment report.