Last week was a positive affair for the world’s major markets. Some optimism has been spawned that the worst of a trade war may be averted as President Trump has been in talks with his Chinese counterpart.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up on last week’s close by 2.2% at 7094.1; the Dax ended at 11519, 2.8% up on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 2.7% to end the session at 5102.1.
The Dow ended the week up by 2.4% to close at 25271. The Nasdaq composite index was up by 2.7% over the course of the week at 7357.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 5% to end the session at 22244.
Currency markets review
On the currency markets last week, the Pound enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.2969 to the Pound, a fall of 1.1% on the week. The Greenback was stronger against the Euro last week, just, rising by 0.06% to close at $1.1382 to the Euro.
The Dollar strengthened against the Japanese currency closing at 113.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 1.3% during the week.
The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 128.7, a gain of 1.3% over the course of the week. It was weaker against Sterling last week, the close saw one £ buying €1.1395, a loss of 1.2% on the week.
The Euro now buys 1.1422 CHF, up by 0.49% on the week.
Commodities market review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $72.83 per barrel, a fall of 6.2% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week closing at $1231.7 per ounce, a fall of 0.22% on the week.