Last week saw all of the major markets close higher again, buoyed by the news that the Federal Reserve was not starting the “taper” just yet.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.19%, it closed at 6596.4; the Dax ended at 8675.7 climbing by 2% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 2.2% to end the session at 4203.7.
The Dow ended the week higher, gaining 0.49% to end at 15451. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3774.7, strengthening by 1.4% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 2.3% to end the session at 14742.
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 $1.6021 to the Pound; a fall of 1% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 1.9% to close at $1.3522 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, just, closing at 99.41 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.02% during the week.
The Euro climbed against the Yen ending at 134.42, a gain of 1.9% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week rising by 0.82%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1848.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, at $109.2 per barrel (for November delivery); a fall of 3.2% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1349.3 per ounce, representing a gain of 2.3% over the previous week’s value.