With the exception of the Cac, All of the world’s major exchanges ended the week higher, with the Dow entering record new highs and other exchanges finally closing above pre global financial crisis levels.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 1.7%, it closed at 6483.6; the Dax ended at 7986.5, rising by 3.6% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 3.8% to end the session at 3840.2.
The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 2.2% at 14397.1. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3244.4, gaining 2.4% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 turned in the best performance and ended the week’s trading higher, making 5.8% to end the session at 12283.6.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro saw the best of trading – just – with the Dollar hot on its heels. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at 1.4926 to the Pound; a gain of 0.67% over the week. The Greenback weakened marginally against the Euro last week slipping 0.08% to close at 1.2991. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 96.03 to the Yen, recording a gain of 2.8% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 124.8, a gain of 2.9% over the course of the week. The Euro gained against Sterling last week by 0.74%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1490.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, closing at $110.9 per barrel (for April delivery); a rise of 0.41% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was marginally lower last week, closing at $1581.8 per ounce, representing a loss of 0.03% over last week’s value.