Markets ended last week mixed with the USA and Japan showing gains whilst most of the European markets fell.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.52%, it closed at 6121.6; the Dax ended at 7715.5, falling by 0.78% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 0.64% to end the session at 3706.
The Dow ended the week stronger to the tune of 0.4% at 13488.4. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3125.6, making 0.77% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher, gaining 1.1% to end the session at 10801.6
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at 1.61299 to the Pound, a fall of 0.55%. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week, falling 2.3% to close at 1.33533. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 89.29 to the Yen, a gain of 1.3% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 119.20, a gain of 3.6% over the course of the week. The Euro rose against Sterling last week by 1.7%; the close saw one £ buying €1.20793.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $110.6 per barrel (for February delivery); a fall of 0.6% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $165 7.5per ounce, representing a gain of 0.58% over last week’s value.