Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s major markets. The oil price strengthened further.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 0.53%, it closed at 6310.4; the Dax ended at 10374, up by 3.2% on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 1.7% to end the session at 4569.7.

The Dow ended the week up by 0.6% to close at 18004. The Nasdaq composite index ended down by 0.65% over the course of the week at 4906.2.

The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 4% to end the session at 17527.

Currency markets review

On the currency markets last week Sterling again enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.4388 to the Pound, a fall of 1.2% on the week. The Greenback rose against the Euro last week by 0.45% to close at $1.1242 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 111.5 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 2.5% during the week.

The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 125.3, a gain of 2% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week, falling by 1.7%; the close saw one £ buying €1.2799.

The Euro now buys 1.0987 CHF, a gain of 0.61% on the week.

Commodities market review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $45.11 per barrel, a rise of 4.7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was lower last week, closing at $1232 per ounce, a loss of 0.18% on the week.