Last week was a mixed and relatively muted affair for the world’s major stock markets.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down on last week’s close by 0.13% at 7437.1; the Dax ended at 12000, 0.08% down on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 0.48% to end the session at 5502.7.
The Dow ended the week down by 0.05% to close at 26412. The Nasdaq composite index was up by 0.57% over the course of the week at 7984.2.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 0.29% to end the session at 21871.
Currency markets review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.3088 to the Pound, a loss of 0.59% on the week. The Greenback was weaker against the Euro last week, falling by 0.8% to close at $1.1307 to the Euro.
The Dollar strengthened against the Japanese currency closing at 112 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.27% during the week.
The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 126.6, a gain of 1.3% over the course of the week. It was stronger against Sterling last week, the close saw one £ buying €1.1575, a gain of 0.2% on the week.
The Euro now buys 1.1327 CHF, a gain of 0.94% on the week.
Commodities market review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $71.55 per barrel, a rise of 1.7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week closing at $1289.2 per ounce, a fall of 0.09% on the week.