Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN BLUE-CHIPS rose as technology stocks extended gains the day before an expected interest rate hike by the European Central Bank. The DAX closed up 13.92 points, or 0.25 per cent, at 5,560.87 points as industrial group Siemens and sporting goods maker Adidas climbed on strong earnings reports.

Experts are expecting a 50-basis point rise in the ECB's key refinancing rate, now at 2.50 per cent, as risks of deflation and recession fade. A hike would be the first ever by the 10-month-old bank.