The US government shutdown and the impending debt ceiling crisis have caused markets to fall. Only the Nasdaq managed to put on any value.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 0.9%, it closed at 6453.9; the Dax ended at 8623 falling by 0.44% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 0.54% to end the session at 4164.3.
The Dow ended the week lower, falling 1.2% to end at 15073. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3807.8, strengthening by 0.69% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 5% to end the session at 14024.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6066 to the Pound; a gain of 0.41% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.33% to close at $1.3582 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 97.2 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 1% during the week.
The Euro fell against the Yen ending at 132.0, a loss of 0.78% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week rising by 0.74%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1829.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, at $109.5 per barrel (for November delivery); a rise of 0.76% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1309.8 per ounce, representing a fall of 2.3% over the previous week’s value.