Last week saw all of the major markets close higher on reduced geopolitical tensions over Syria and a putative agreement to put Syrian chemical weapons beyond use.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.56%, it closed at 6583.8; the Dax ended at 8509.4 climbing by 2.8% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 1.6% to end the session at 4114.5.
The Dow ended the week higher, gaining 3% to end at 15376. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3722.2, strengthening by 1.7% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 3.9% to end the session at 14405.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling again saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at $1.5860 to the Pound; a gain of 1.5% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.84% to close at $1.3277 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 99.38 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.34% during the week.
The Euro climbed against the Yen ending at 131.95, a gain of 1.2% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 0.61%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1946.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, at $112.8 per barrel (for October delivery); a fall of 2.9% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1318.5 per ounce, representing a loss of 4.9% over the previous week’s value.