Frankfurt DAX: 2519.73 (+23.56)

German shares ended trade over one percentage point ahead, bolstered by the continuing strength of the dollar and a positive reaction to US April consumer price figures.

Dealers said both factors helped the DAX break through the psychologically important 2,500-point barrier.

Paris CAC-40: 2122.08 (+21.23)

French shares finished higher, buoyed by gains in the dollar and bonds following better-than-expected US inflation figures for April. The CAC-40 failed to breach tough resistance at 2,125-2,130 level. Some traders say the market's next objective is the 2,200 level, but others say it is in retreat and that the recent consolidation is not over.

Milan Mibtel: 10628 (+58)

Italian shares closed higher reflecting further gains on Wall Street after US data soothed any inflation worries there. The progress of domestic bonds and the lira also continued to underpin stocks, dealers said.