All of the major markets ended higher last week, despite misgivings about the Spanish banks bailout and uncertainty over which way the Greek election would go and its ramifications for the Euro.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.8%, it closed at 5478.8; the Dax ended the week at 6229.4, climbing by 1.6% over the week; the CAC was up by 1.2% to end the session at 3087.6.
The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 1.7 % at 12767.2. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week at 2872.8 climbing 0.5% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei closed up over the course of the week’s trading, making 1.3% to end the trading session at 8569.3.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling, shedding 0.54% and closing at 1.55142 to the Pound. The Greenback was also weaker against the Euro last week, falling by 1% to close at 1.2596. The Dollar also lost ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 78.7869 to the Yen, a fall of 0.68% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 99.24, a gain of 0.34% over the course of the week. The Euro was stronger against Sterling over the course of the week, climbing by 0.49%; the close saw one £ buying 1.23168.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $97.61 per barrel (for August delivery); a fall of 1.9% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1627.3 per ounce, representing a gain of 3.2% over last week’s value.