All of the world’s major exchanges ended the week higher amidst better US consumer data and recently strengthening employment figures. The dark clouds of the US “sequester” seem not to be spoiling the party for the moment.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up by 0.09%, it closed at 6489.7; the Dax ended at 8042.9, rising by 0.71% over the course of the week; the CAC was up by 0.1% to end the session at 3844.
The Dow ended the week higher to the tune of 0.81% at 14514.1. The Nasdaq composite index ended at 3249.1, gaining 0.14% over the course of the week.
The Nikkei 225 again turned in the best performance and ended the week’s trading higher, making 2.3% to end the session at 12561.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, Sterling saw the best of trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week, closing at 1.5124 to the Pound; a loss of 1.3% over the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week slipping 0.63% to close at 1.3072. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 95.17 to the Yen, recording a loss of 0.9% on the week.
The Euro weakened against the Yen ending at 124.4, a loss of 0.27% over the course of the week. The Euro lost ground against Sterling last week by 0.69%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1569.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, closing at $109.8 per barrel (for May delivery); a fall of 0.93% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1595.5 per ounce, representing a gain of 0.87% over last week’s value.