By: Dr. Mike Campbell

Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s major markets. In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE made 3.2% and closed at 5292; the Dax crept up by 0.02% to close at 5538.3%; the CAC climbed by 2.0% to end the session at 3148.5.

The Dow ended the week down by 0.39%, finishing the trading session at 11240.3. The Nasdaq ended the week higher; by just 0.02%, to close at 2480.3.

The Nikkei strengthened over the course of the week, putting on 1.7% to end the trading session at 8950.7.

On the currency markets last week, the Dollar had the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling, making 0.26% and closing at 1.62191 to the Pound. The Greenback made ground against the Euro last week, climbing 1.02% to close at 1.4255. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 76.8527 to the Yen, a gain of 0.25% on the week.

The Euro closed down against the Yen ending at 109.56, falling 0.77% over the course of the week. The Euro also lost ground against Sterling over the course of the week weakening by 0.77%; the close saw one £ buying 1.13778.

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, closing at $112.23 per barrel (for October delivery); a rise of 0.87% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold rose last week, closing at $1876 per ounce, representing a rise of 5% over last week’s value.