Last week saw the major markets making ground with the exception of the tech-stock heavy Nasdaq.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 1.2%, it closed at 6695.6; the Dax ended at 9695.8, up by 1.1% on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 1.7% to end the session at 4484.6.
The Dow ended the week up by 0.55% to close at 16413. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 0.67% over the course of the week at 4127.7.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 2.5% to end the session at 15064.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Dollar saw the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at $1.659 to the Pound; a gain of 0.29% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week by 0.43% to close at $1.3702 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 103.4 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.47% during the week.
The Euro was unchanged against the Yen ending at 141.7, a gain of 0.04% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 0.14%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2107.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower at $106.7 per barrel (for May delivery); a fall of 1.3% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1297.3 per ounce, representing a gain of 0.19% over the previous week’s value.