Frankfurt Dax: 2671.86 (-11.39)
In Frankfurt, German shares ended bourse trade down but slightly off the day's lows. Dealers said the market had been catching up with profit taking during late Friday's electronic dealings.
The 30 share DAX index ended down 1139 points at 2671.86. One bright spot was mixed utility Viag, BT's partner in Germany. Its shares rose on news of the BT/MCI merger plan.
The IBIS Dax, which reflects after hours electronic trading, closed on 2269.47. Dealers believe that the market is now dependent on Wall Street for direction and are unlikely to make any moves independent of Wall Street until after the election.
Paris CAC-40: 2142.15 (+1.64)
In Paris, too, the mood was negative and French shares were flat after starting with modest losses, shadowing a downward drift in bond markets. Traders said operators were marking time ahead of the US poll and little action was expected.
Milan MIBTEL: 9633 (+7)
Italian shares closed mixed in thin trade just off its high point of the day. Dealers said market attention was focused on the passage of the Italian government's tough and controversial 1997 budget through the lower house of parliament.
