European markets finished slightly higher despite succumbing to late selling pressure.

Banks were ahead earlier and Societe Generale and BNP Paribas managed to finish higher by the end of play. But late selling saw the likes of UBS and Deutsch Bank dip lower.

Across the markets, the German DAX finished up 8 points to 6011, while the French CAC ended 12 points higher to 3959.

There were good showings elsewhere, with the Nikkei index in Japan hitting a four-month high overnight and the Footsie in London finishing up. The US also pushed ahead after reports showed increases in home prices and consumer confidence.

Q-Cells rallied after chief executive Charles Anton Milner told German paper Handelsblatt that he expects the company to be profitable in 2010.

Schlott Gruppe was also ahead after the catalogue printer said it concluded a seasoned equity offering, bringing in proceeds of €3.8m.

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