Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMANY'S XETRA DAX index was dragged into positive territory by gains on Wall Street just before its close, finishing up 0.34 per cent, or 17.36 points, at 5,183.08.

In a see-saw session, Deutsche Telekom's failed bid for Telecom Italia continued to weigh on sentiment. Deutsche fell 0.42 per cent to 35.45 euros; shares in Mannesmann fell 2.34 per cent, to 133.50 euros, in sympathy. On the positive side, Metro, Europe's largest retailer, lifted 2.04 per cent to 62.50 euros when it predicted higher profits in 1999.