Frankfurt DAX: 6095.28 (+75.8)

German share prices soared on the back of firm start on Wall Street and strong interest in the banking sector. The IMF-led rescue for Russia also helped banking shares to make progress.

Dresdner Bank rose by 6.70 Dmarks to DM104.90, Deutsche Bank by DM6.60 to DM151.90, Bayersische Vereinsbank by DM8.20 to DM172.70 and Commerzbank by DM2.50 to DM69.30.

Paris: closed

Though the Paris market was closed, CAC-40 futures traded sharply higher, in line with rises on other European bourses and the Tokyo market.

Milan Mibtel: 37,499 (+2699)

Italian shares ended higher thanks to some aggressive buying of selected stocks and good performances on other bourses. A firmer sentiment on Wall Street also provided impetus. Banking sector stocks gained on speculation of further consolidation, with Banca di Roma up 5.53 per cent to 3,985 lire and Mediobanca up 8.16 per cent to L27,000.