All of the world’s major markets ended the week up with the exception of the US Nasdaq composite index.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.81%, it closed at 5914.4; the Dax ended at 7517.8, climbing by 1.5% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 1.4% to end the session at 3605.6.
The Dow ended the week weaker higher to the tune of 0.99% at 13155.1. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 2978, shedding 1.1% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher, gaining 0.86% to end the session at 9527.4.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of trading. The Dollar essentially unchanged against Sterling last week closing at 1.60298 to the Pound. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week, gaining 0.9% to close at 1.28902. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency – just; closing at 82.58182 to the Yen, a gain of 0.06% on the week.
The Euro weakened against the Yen ending at 106.3882, a loss of 0.97% over the course of the week. The Euro was also weaker against Sterling over the course of the week, falling by 0.97%; the close saw one £ buying €1.243776.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $107 per barrel (for January delivery); a fall of 3.8% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1701.5 per ounce, representing a fall of 1.4% over last week’s value.