With the exception of the Dow Jones, all of the world’s major stock markets ended the week higher.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.64%, it closed at 5513.7; the Dax ended the week at 6263.3, climbing by 0.54% over the week; the CAC was up by 0.11% to end the session at 3090.9.
The Dow ended the week lower to the tune of 0.99 % at 12640.8. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week at 2892.4 climbing 0.68% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei closed up over the course of the week’s trading, making 2.7% to end the trading session at 8798.4.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling, shedding 0.50% and closing at 1.55919 to the Pound. The Greenback was stronger against the Euro last week, climbing by 0.45% to close at 1.2539. The Dollar also made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 80.2935 to the Yen, a gain of 1.9% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 100.68, a gain of 1.5% over the course of the week. The Euro was weaker against Sterling over the course of the week, falling by 0.96%; the close saw one £ buying 1.24347.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $90.68 per barrel (for August delivery); a fall of 7.1% over the course of the week’s trading. Oil has not been cheaper since December 2010. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1565.5 per ounce, representing a loss of 3.8% over last week’s value.