Frankfurt DAX: 2625.70 (-2.38) German shares ended what was described as listless bourse trade slightly lower. Dealers said the market was consolidating after its recent run to record levels. Gains were capped by US developments but shares were underpinned by a firmer German debt market and stable dollar.

Paris CAC-40: 2072.73 (-8.13) On the Paris bourse, stocks opened down and continued to trade in negative territory. Dealers said that although the market was weaker on the US rate worries, it was still well supported. One bright point was Alcatel Alsthom, higher after announcing a bid to buy Thomson SA and turn it into a European defence leader.

Milan Mibtel: 9516 (-72) Italian shares went sharply lower, with the market depressed by a corruption probe involving the head of the state railway company and by the continuing crisis at Olivetti. Dealers said they see little reason to buy the market at present, with a view that shares will fall a lot further.