By: Dr. Mike Campbell

Last week was a good week for the world’s major stock exchanges with all of the major indices putting on value.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE made 0.9% and closed at 5905.1; the Dax ended the week at 6848, making 2.3% over the week; the CAC also climbed, gaining 2% to end the session at 3439.6.

The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 1.2% at 12949.9, a level not seen since the global financial crisis began. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week at 2951.8, making 1.7% over the week and closing at its highest value since December 2000 – heady stuff.

The Nikkei closed up over the course of the week’s trading, making 3.8% to end the trading session at 9284.2.

Currency Markets Review

On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling, falling 0.4% and closing at 1.58332 to the Pound. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week, gaining 0.23% to close at 1.3159. The Dollar made substantial ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 79.3297 to the Yen, a gain of 2.2% on the week.

The Euro rose against the Yen ending at 104.39 climbing 1.9% over the course of the week. The Euro was weaker against Sterling over the course of the week, falling 0.63%; the close saw one £ buying 1.20322.

Commodities Market Review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, closing at $119.6 per barrel (for April delivery); a gain of 1.9% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold climbed last week, closing at $1723 per ounce, representing a gain of 0.67% over last week’s value.