Last week’s trading saw all of the major markets making ground on better economic news and optimism over the coming year.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 2.6%, it closed at 6606.6; the Dax ended at 9400.2 climbing by 4.4% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 3.3% to end the session at 4193.8.
The Dow ended the week higher, rising by 3% to end at 16221. The Nasdaq composite index ended up by 2.6% over the course of the week at 4104. The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher by 3% to end the session at 15870.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6354 to the Pound; a slip of 0.36% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week by 0.4% to close at $1.3672 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 104.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.79% during the week.
The Euro rose against the Yen ending at 142.3, a gain of 0.39% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 0.76%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1962.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, at $111.8 per barrel (for February delivery); a rise of 2.7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1195.3 per ounce, representing a fall of 3% over the previous week’s value.