Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN SHARES closed near their lowest levels of the day as shares pitched in a choppy market. The DAX-30 ended down 37.04 points, or 0.68 per cent, at 5,446.91.

A weak Wall Street failed to give the necessary positive impetus to regain earlier highs, despite substantial gains in car and chemical stocks.

Auto shares finished firm but gave up most of the gains made earlier in the day ahead of the Frankfurt car show's opening today.