By: Dr. Mike Campbell

Last week was a good week for the world’s major stock exchanges with only the Nikkei failing to put on significant value.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE made 2.9% and closed at 5901.1; the Dax ended the week at 6766.7, making 3.9% over the week; the CAC also performed well, putting on 3.3% to end the session at 3427.9.

The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 1.6% at 12862.2. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week at 2905.7, climbing by 3.2% over the course of the trading week.

The Nikkei closed down over the course of the week’s trading, slipping 0.11% to end the trading session at 8831.9.

Currency Markets Review

On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling, falling 0.67% and closing at 1.58135 to the Pound. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week, slipping 0.11% to close at 1.3160. The Dollar lost ground against the Japanese currency closing at 76.2158 to the Yen, a loss of 0.98% on the week.

The Euro fell against the Yen ending at 100.4 shedding 0.87% over the course of the week. The Euro was also weaker against Sterling over the course of the week gaining 0.56%; the close saw one £ buying 1.20163.

Commodities Market Review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher, closing at $114.6 per barrel (for March delivery); a gain of 2.8% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold climbed last week, closing at $1734 per ounce, representing a gain of 0.46% over last week’s value.