The major stock markets finished the week higher, with the exception of the Nasdaq.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 1.8%, it closed at 5896.2; the Dax ended at 7380.6, rising by 2.1% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 3.4% to end the session at 3504.6.
The Dow ended the week weaker higher to the tune of 0.11 % at 13343.5. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3005.6, shedding 0.94% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher, rising by 1.7% to end the session at 8678.9.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro saw the best of trading. The Dollar strengthened against Sterling, climbing 0.45% and closing at 1.600114 to the Pound. The Greenback was weaker against the Euro last week, slipping 0.56% to close at 1.301379. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 79.25725 to the Yen, a gain of 1.2%.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 103.1723, a rally of 1.8% over the course of the week. The Euro was also stronger against Sterling over the course of the week, rising by 1%; the close saw one £ buying 1.229213.
Commodies Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $112.4 per barrel (for December delivery); a fall of 1.9% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1737 per ounce, representing a loss of 1.7% over last week’s value.
The data that supports this article is drawn from Bloomberg, The Financial Times and X-rates.