Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s leading stock exchanges, but most ended lower.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 1.0%, it closed at 6328.3; the Dax ended at 7593.5, falling by 0.77% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 0.30% to end the session at 3660.4.
The Dow ended the week lower to the tune of 0.08% at 13981.8. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3192, falling 0.06% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher, making 0.19% to end the session at 11173.8.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Dollar saw the best of trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at 1.5520 to the Pound; a gain of 1.9% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week - just making 0.07% to close at 1.3359. The Dollar made ground against the Japanese currency, closing at 93.64 to the Yen, a gain of 1% on the week.
The Euro strengthened against the Yen ending at 125.10, a gain of 0.93% over the course of the week. The Euro gained against Sterling last week by 1.8%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1618.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $117.7 per barrel (for April delivery); a fall of 1% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1612.3 per ounce, representing a loss of 3.4% over last week’s value.