Around the world's markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN SHARES resumed their downward spiral after a one-day respite was ended by a weak dollar and persistent concern that corporate results will be hit by the global financial crisis.

By the close, the Xetra DAX had fallen 2.9 per cent to 4,064.16 points, giving up some of the 5.4 per cent gain it had posted on Tuesday. In floor trade, the DAX ended down 1.66 per cent at 4,087.83. "This is the end of the bounce," one trader said. "It spiked at the open, but obviously it can't hold that level."