Last week saw most of the major markets losing ground on the back of weaker than anticipated US economic data.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 0.98%, it closed at 6209.6; the Dax ended at 10103, down by 1.8% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 2.1% to end the session at 4421.8.
The Dow ended the week down by 0.37% to close at 17807. The Nasdaq composite index ended up by 0.18% over the course of the week at 4942.5.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 1.2% to end the session at 16835642.
Currency markets review
On the currency markets last week the Yen enjoyed the best of the trading as a perceived safe haven currency. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week closing at $1.4521 to the Pound, a gain of 0.82% on the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 1.7% to close at $1.1327 to the €. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 106.9 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 2.7% during the week.
The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 121.1, a loss of 1.1% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week, rising by 2.5%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2820.
The Euro now buys 1.108 CHF, a gain of 0.3% on the week.
Commodiities market review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $49.64 per barrel, a rise of 0.65% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1244.5 per ounce, a gain of 2.7% on the week.