Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s major stock indices with Japan and Europe declining and the USA gaining.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 2.6%, it closed at 6412; the Dax ended at 8254.7 falling 1.1% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 1.9% to end the session at 3872.6.
The Dow ended the week higher, gaining 0.88% to end at 15248.1. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3469.2, climbing 0.39% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 6.5% to end the session at 12877.5.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at 1.5552 to the Pound; a fall of 2.4% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week slipping by 1.8% to close at 1.3233. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 97.25 to the Yen, making a loss of 3.2% during the week.
The Euro weakened against the Yen ending at 128.7, a loss of 1.4% over the course of the week. The Euro made ground against Sterling last week rising by 0.52%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1753.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, at $104.6 per barrel (for July delivery); a rise of 4.2% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1386 per ounce, representing a loss of 0.61% over previous week’s value.