2010 In Perspective: Summary Of Forex Trading Activities

Last Friday marked the end of the week, the month, the quarter and the year for 2010. It was a poor week for the world’s major stock exchanges last week with all of them closing lower by the end of what is traditionally a quiet working week. In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE shed 0.42%, closing at 5971.1, but it strengthened by 7.9% over the course of the year; the Dax fell by 2% to close at 6914.2, but put on 14.5% over the year; the CAC fell by 1.6% to end the session at 3850.8 it lost 4.8% in 2010.

The Dow ended the week lower to the tune of just 0.03%, finishing the trading session at 11562 and making 9% over the course of the year. The Nasdaq ended the week down, shedding 0.1% to close at 2663, but it made 15% during 2010.

The Nikkei closed down by 1. 1% over the course of the week, ending the trading session at 10229. It lost 5.3% of its value over the year.

On the currency markets last week, the Euro had the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling by 0.69%, closing at 1.55237 to the Pound. Over the year, the Dollar appreciated by 2.4% against Sterling The Greenback was also weaker against the Euro losing 2%, to close at 1.3362, but it ended 2010 worth 6.6% more against the single European currency. The Dollar weakened against the Japanese currency at 81.31 to the Yen, a fall of 2% on the week and a depreciation of 13% over the year

The Euro closed up against the Yen, just, ending at 108.65, gaining 0.02% over the course of the week. Over the year, the Euro has depreciated by 19% against the Yen The Euro strengthened against Sterling over the course of the week by 1.3%. The close saw one £ buying 1.1618€, but the Euro has lost 4.5% of its value against the Pound during 2010.

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude was lower, closing at $93.1 per barrel (for February delivery); a dip of 1.2% over the course of the week’s trading. Over the year, oil has appreciated by 14%. The value of gold climbed again, closing at 1411 per ounce; representing a gain of 1.9% over last week’s value and a very healthy appreciation of 24.7% during 2010.