Frankfurt led the way from the open, with the DAX index rising on advances by US and Asian bourses overnight and holding most of its gains to close 0.72 per cent higher at 5975.88. Lufthansa led gainers, rising 7.6 per cent to 54.60 deutschmarks after US investment bank Merrill Lynch raised its share price target for the airline. Merrill declined to say what its target was.

Paris CAC-40: 4333.09 (+21.99)

Alcatel helped the French market to another record, with the telecommunications company's shares jumping 5.6 per cent to 1,340 francs following a buy recommendation from Salomon Smith Barney. The CAC-40 benchmark closed 0.51 per cent higher at 4333.09, its second consecutive record finish.

Milan Mibtel: 24460 (+237)

Italian shares ended higher on selective buying, but closed below the day's highs. Volumes were bigger than of late and dealers said some investors were beginning to build positions in specific stocks.