All of the major stock markets closed higher for a second week at the end of last week’s trading session. In Europe over the course of last week, the FTSE put on 4.2%, closing at 5358.2; the CAC was up by almost 4.7% closing at 3769.5; the Dax made 4.0%, ending the week at 5722.1.

US markets performed in much the same way as their European counterparts. The Dow ended the week up by EUR3.0%, finishing the trading session at 10402.4. The Nasdaq ended the week up by 2.8%, closing at 2243.9.

The Nikkei again showed the smallest growth, but at least the market rose. It closed stronger by 0.31% over the course of the week ending trading at 10123.6. Broadly speaking, the gains seen in Japan were a tenth of those seen in the other major markets.

On the currency markets last week, the Dollar continued to gain ground on the other major currencies. Against the Euro, the US currency strengthened by 0.01% over the course of the week closing at 1.3519 to the Euro.  The Greenback was stronger against the British Pound by 1.4% closing at 1.5392 to the Pound. The Dollar closed at 91.8485 to the Yen, a rise of 1.9% on the week.

The Euro had a better week on the foreign exchanges. It strengthened against Sterling over the week by 1.05%. The close saw one £ buying 1.1386€.  

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude oil rose strongly, closing at $78.2 per barrel (for April delivery); a hike of 7.3% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold also continued to strengthen, closing at 1112 $ per ounce, representing an appreciation of 2.0%.