Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

INVESTORS FELT the 5 per cent Thursday dive was excessive, and yesterday the electronic Xetra DAX was up 3 per cent in early trade. But it closed down 5.66 points at 4,623.37 on option expiries. The DAX 30 index closed down 70.9 at 4,598.6.

Daimler-Benz shares fell ahead of a vote on its $40bn merger with Chrysler. Chrysler shareholders yesterday quickly approved the acquisition by Daimler, but Daimler shareholders were still deliberating after seven hours.