Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN stocks chalked up modest gains in quiet trade, with the market waiting for today's European Central Bank interest rate decision. The electronically-traded Xetra Dax ended up just 4.98 points, or 0.1 per cent, at 5,027.25. The floor Dax climbed 1.75 per cent to 5,052.27.

Traders said the ongoing crisis in Kosovo would limit the upside on shares. One said: "It seems we'll continue our range trading between 4,700 and 5,200, although we could get above that if the situtation in Kosovo improves."