Last week again saw all of the major markets regain some ground and the oil price continued to soften – but above the $30 mark and with reduced volatility.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 4.3%, it closed at 5950.2; the Dax ended at 9388.1, up by 4.7% on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 5.7% to end the session at 4223.
The Dow ended the week up by 2.6% to close at 16392. The Nasdaq composite index ended up by 3.9% over the course of the week at 4504.4.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 6.8% to end the session at 15967.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week the Yen again enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week closing at $1.4342 to the Pound, a gain of 0.79% on the week. The Greenback rose against the Euro last week by 0.94% to close at $1.1128 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 112.46 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 0.46% during the week.
The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 125.15, a loss of 1.8% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week, falling by 0.15%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2888.
The Euro now buys 1.1009 CHF, a gain of 0.31% on the week.
Commodities Markets Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $33.01 per barrel, a fall of 1.05% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1230.4 per ounce, a fall of 0.7% on the week.