By: Dr. Mike Campbell
Last week saw all of the world’s major stock markets close higher for a third consecutive week. In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE gained 0.33%, closing at 6083; the Dax put on 0.75% to close at 7426.8; the CAC rose by 1.4% to end the session at 4157.1.
The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 1%, finishing the trading session at 12391. The Nasdaq ended the week higher, gaining 0.87% to close at 2834.
The Nikkei returned the best performance of the week, closing higher by 2.2% to end the trading session at 10843.
Currency Market Review
On the currency markets last week, the pound enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was down against Sterling, falling 1.5%, closing at 1.62323 to the Pound. The Greenback was weaker against the Euro last week, falling by 0.32% to close at 1.3627. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 83.3786 to the Yen, a drop of 0.22%.
The Euro closed up against the Yen ending at 113.62, making 0.54% over the course of the week. The Euro fell back against Sterling over the course of the week by 0.74%. The close saw one £ buying 1.19119.
Commodities Market in Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude was higher, closing at $102.5 per barrel (for April delivery); a rise of 1.1% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold recovered further last week, closing at 1383.5 per ounce; representing a gain of 1.4% over last week’s value.