With the exception of the Nasdaq, all of the major markets ended the week lower. The picture would have been gloomier still had markets not been buoyed by encouraging US trade deficit figures which were released toward the end of the week.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 1.3%, it closed at 6263.9; the Dax ended at 7652.1, falling by 2.3% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 3.3% to end the session at 3649.5.
The Dow ended the week lower to the tune of 0.12% at 13993. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3193.9, making 0.46% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading lower, slipping 0.34% to end the session at 11153.2.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at 1.5812 to the Pound; a fall of 0.46% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week, making 2.4% to close at 1.3368. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 92.72 to the Yen, a gain of 0.19% on the week.
The Euro weakened against the Yen ending at 123.9, a loss of 2.2% over the course of the week. The Euro fell against Sterling last week by 2.9%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1828.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, closing at $118.9 per barrel (for March delivery); a rise of 1.8% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was marginally lower last week, closing at $1668 per ounce, representing a loss of 0.04% over last week’s value.