Last week saw all of the world’s major markets losing ground, partially because of slowed growth in the USA (and UK).
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 1.2%, it closed at 6986; the Dax ended at 11454, down by 3% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 3% to end the session at 5046.5.
The Dow ended the week down by 0.31% to close at 18024. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 1.7% over the course of the week at 5005.4.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 2.4% to end the session at 19532.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week the Euor enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week closing at $1.5139 to the Pound, a gain of 0.26%. The Greenback fell against the Euro last week by 3% to close at $1.12 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 120.2 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 1% during the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 134.6, a gain of 4% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week, rising by 3.1%; the close saw one £ buying €1.3517.
The Euro now buys 1.0304 CHF, a loss of 0.6% on the week.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $66.5 per barrel, a rise of 1.8% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was marginally higher last week, closing at $1177.5 per ounce, a gain of 0.06% on the week.