Last week was a negative affair for the world’s major stock markets in the wake of the US’s decision to ramp up further tariffs on Chinese imports.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down on last week’s close by 2.4% at 7203.3; the Dax ended at 12060, 2.8% down on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 4% to end the session at 5327.4.
The Dow ended the week down by 0.14% to close at 26505. The Nasdaq composite index was up by 0.22% over the course of the week at 8164.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 4.1% to end the session at 21345.
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 $1.3034 to the Pound, a gain of 0.79% on the week. The Greenback was weaker against the Euro last week, falling by 0.48% to close at $1.1241 to the Euro.
The Dollar weakened against the Japanese currency closing at 109.6 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 1.5% during the week.
The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 123.2, a loss of 1% over the course of the week. It was stronger against Sterling last week, the close saw one £ buying €1.1595, a gain of 1.3% on the week.
The Euro now buys 1.1365 CHF, a loss of 0.19% on the week.
Commodities market review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $70.62 per barrel, a fall of 0.32% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week closing at $1286.5 per ounce, a rise of 0.67% on the week.