Last week saw all of the world’s major markets losing ground with the exception of the Nikkei which managed modest gains.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 1.2%, it closed at 6777.9; the Dax ended at 9912.9, down by 0.74% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 0.83% to end the session at 4543.3.
The Dow ended the week down by 0.88% to close at 16776. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 0.25% over the course of the week at 4310.7.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 0.14% to end the session at 15098.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling again saw the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6954 to the Pound; a fall of 0.95% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week by 0.85% to close at $1.3523 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 102.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 0.43% during the week.
The Euro weakened against the Yen ending at 138, a loss of 1.3% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 1.8%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2539.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher at $113 per barrel (for July delivery), a gain of 4.1% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1273 per ounce, a gain of 2%.