The world’s major stock markets ended the trading week lower with the exception of Germany’s Dax. The currency market was fairly flat, but the Euro gave up some recent gains against the other majors.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 1.1%, it closed at 5852.6; the Dax ended at 7451.6 rising by 0.53% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 1.4% to end the session at 3530.72
The Dow ended the week lower to the tune of 0.1 % at 13579.5. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3180, falling 0.13% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei closed down over the course of the week’s trading, slipping 0.54% to end the trading session at 9110.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of trading. The Dollar was essentially unchanged against Sterling, shedding 0.04% and closing at 1.624971 to the Pound. The Greenback was stronger against the Euro last week, making 1.2% to close at 1.298953. The Dollar lost ground, marginally, against the Japanese currency, closing at 78.17146 to the Yen, a fall of 0.06%.
The Euro slipped back against the Yen ending at 101.5410, a fall of 1.2% over the course of the week. The Euro was weaker against Sterling over the course of the week, losing 1.2%; the close saw one £ buying 1.250985.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $111.4 per barrel (for November delivery); a fall of 4.5% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1784.5 per ounce, representing a gain of 0.5% over last week’s value.