Last week was a positive affair for the world’s major stock markets.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up on last week’s close by 2.4% at 7331.9; the Dax ended at 12045, 2.7% up on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 3% to end the session at 5364.1.
The Dow ended the week up by 4.7% to close at 25984. The Nasdaq composite index was up by 3.9% over the course of the week at 7742.1.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 1.4% to end the session at 20885.
Currency markets review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.2740 to the Pound, a loss of 0.93% on the week. The Greenback was weaker against the Euro last week, falling by 1.6% to close at $1.1326 to the Euro.
The Dollar weakened against the Japanese currency closing at 108.2 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 0.44% during the week.
The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 122.5, a gain of 1.1% over the course of the week. It was stronger against Sterling last week, the close saw one £ buying €1.1248, a gain of 0.61% on the week.
The Euro now buys 1.1188 CHF, unchanged on the week.
Commodities market review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $63.29 per barrel, a rise of 2.1% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week closing at $1340 per ounce, a rise of 2.6% on the week.