Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN markets were jittery ahead of the European Central Bank's interest rate decision, and stocks closed modestly higher in thin trade.

The electronically-traded Xetra Dax closed up 0.8 per cent, or 40.51 points, at 5067.76, while the floor Dax ended 0.33 per cent higher at 5,068.75.

The car group Volkswagen was among the most heavily traded stocks, closing up 0.5 per cent on local press reports that it was planning to raise capital for acquisitions and alliances.