Frankfurt Dax: 4231.40 (+42.88)

Germany's blue-chip DAX index pushed higher in yesterday's bourse trading session, and held onto gains above the 4200 level in electronic trade as a firmer dollar lent a positive tone to the market. Dealers said trade was relatively quiet - with a positive tone - as most US markets were closed for a Columbus day holiday.

Paris CAC-40: 3000.98 (+45.87)

A pair of major takeover bids in Paris, combined with concrete moves towards large mergers elsewhere in Europe, pepped up shares, taking the index back up through 3000. The CAC-40 closed up 1.55 per cent, off its session high but back through the psychological round-number threshold after sinking last week amid the shocks of key European rate hikes and renewed caution from Fed chairman, Alan Greenspan.

Milan MIBTEL: 15681 (+432)

The Generali bid for AGF galvanised the Milan market to new highs, and it was also boosted by hopes that a solution may be found to the political crisis.