Last week saw all of the major markets making gains with the exception of the Nikkei which continues to fall as investors cash out some of last year’s gains.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was higher by 1.3%, it closed at 6829.3; the Dax ended at 9743 rising by 2.9% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 1.8% to end the session at 4327.5.
The Dow ended the week higher by 0.13% to end at 16459. The Nasdaq composite index ended stronger by 0.55% over the course of the week at 4197.6.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 1.1% to end the session at 15734.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Dollar, for once, saw the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6430 to the Pound; a gain of 0.24% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week by 0.8% to close at $1.3554 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 104.3 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.23% during the week.
The Euro was essentially lower against the Yen ending at 141.4, a slip of 0.58% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 0.56%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2122.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, at $106.5 per barrel (for March delivery); a fall of 0.72% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1250 per ounce, representing a rise of 0.46% over the previous week’s value.