All of the major stock markets closed significantly higher at the end of last week’s trading session. In Europe over the course of last week, the FTSE put on 4.6%, closing at 5599.8; the CAC put on an impressive 5.4% closing at 3910.4; the Dax also rose strongly, putting on 5% and ending the week at 5877.4.
US markets were a little more muted than their European counterparts, but still closed handily higher. The Dow ended the week up by 2.3%, finishing the trading session at 10566.2. The Nasdaq performed a little better than its bigger brother, managing to end the week up by 3.9%, closing at 2326.4.
Once again, the Nikkei showed the smallest growth it closed stronger by 2.4% over the course of the week ending trading at 10369.
On the currency markets last week, the Dollar was mixed against other major currencies. Against the Euro, the US currency weakened by just 0.1% over the course of the week closing at 1.3582 to the Euro. The Greenback was stronger against the British Pound by 1% closing at 1.5049 to the Pound. The Dollar closed at 89.4419 to the Yen, a rise of 0.37% on the week.
The Euro had a slightly better week on the back of a trace of optimism on the Greek, debt situation and strengthened by 0.5% against the Yen closing at 121.48. It rose against Sterling over the week by 1.1%. The close saw one £ buying 1.10803€.
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude continued to rise, closing at $79.9 per barrel (for April delivery); a hike of 3% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold also appreciated, closing at 1139 $ per ounce, representing an appreciation of 3.0%.