Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

A WALL STREET rally helped German shares close more than 1 per cent higher yesterday. The electronically traded Xetra Dax index finished 1.15 per cent up at 4,869.29 points, while the floor Dax closed up 0.89 per cent at 4,839.33.

Share gainers included the German airline Lufthansa, and Schering, the pharmaceutical company, amid reports that Japan could approve its contraceptive pill.

Shares in car and machinery manufacturers were hit by wage dispute concerns.