At the end of last week’s trading, all of the world’s major markets ended higher. In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 2.2%, it closed at 6384.4; the Dax ended at 7744.8, rising by 1.1% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 1.8% to end the session at 3729.3.
The Dow ended the week higher, climbing by 2.1% to 14565.3. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3295, making 2.8% over the course of the week.The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 5.1% to end the session at 13485.
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 1.5364 to the Pound; a loss of 0.19% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week slipping 0.52% to close at 1.3094. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 98.97 to the Yen, recording a gain of 2.2% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 129.6, a gain of 2.7% over the course of the week. The Euro gained ground against Sterling last week by 0.33%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1734.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $103.1 per barrel (for May delivery); a fall of 3.2% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1535.5 per ounce, representing a loss of 2.1% over last week’s value.