At the end of last week’s trading, the world’s major markets ended lower, with the exception of Japan’s Nikkei which closed at its highest value since 2008.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 2.5%, it closed at 6249.8; the Dax ended at 7658.8, slipping by 1.8% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 1.8% to end the session at 3663.5.
The Dow ended the week virtually unchanged, falling by just 0.06% at 14565.3. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3203.9, dropping 1.8% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 4% to end the session at 12833.6.
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 1.5335 to the Pound; a loss of 0.94% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week slipping 1.6% to close at 1.3026. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 96.87 to the Yen, recording a gain of 2.9% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 126.2, a gain of 4.6% over the course of the week. The Euro gained ground against Sterling last week by 0.65%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1773.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $106.3 per barrel (for May delivery); a fall of 3.4% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1568 per ounce, representing a loss of 1.9% over last week’s value.