All of the major markets lost ground on fears of the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine and weaker data from the Chinese economy.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was lower by 2.8%, it closed at 6527.9; the Dax ended at 9056.4, down by 3.2% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 3.4% to end the session at 4216.4.
The Dow ended the week down by 2.4% to end at 16066. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 2.1% over the course of the week at 4245.4.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 6.2% to end the session at 14328.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of the trading, as investors headed for a perceived safe haven. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6624 to the Pound; a gain of 0.59% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.37% to close at $1.3918 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 101.5 Yen to the Dollar, making a slip of 1.8% during the week.
The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 141.2, a loss of 1.5% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week rising by 0.96%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1944.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower at $108.6 per barrel (for April delivery); a fall of 0.39% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1385 per ounce, representing a rise of 3.7% over the previous week’s value.
The data that supports this article is drawn from Bloomberg, The Financial Times and X-rates.