Last week’s trading was on a low volume as many traders enjoyed the full extent of the festive period. With the exception of Japan’s Nikkei, all of the markets closed down.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 0.3%, it closed at 6730.7; the Dax ended at 9435.2 falling by 1.6% over the course of the week; the CAC was down by 0.7% to end the session at 4247.7.
The Dow ended the week essentially flat, slipping by 0.05% to end at 16470. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 0.59% over the course of the week at 4131.9.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading higher by 0.69% to end the session at 16291.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Yen saw the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week, closing at $1.6418 to the Pound; a rise of 0.44% over the week. The Greenback strengthened against the Euro last week by 1.2% to close at $1.3605 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 104.5 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 0.54% during the week.
The Euro fell against the Yen ending at 142.2, a loss of 1.7% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week falling by 0.75%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2068.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended lower, at $106.9 per barrel (for February delivery); a fall of 4.7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1234.5 per ounce, representing a rise of 1.7% over the previous week’s value.