The world’s major markets were trading higher last week.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was up on last week’s close by 3%, it closed at 6909.4; the Dax ended at 10627, up by 3.4% on last week’s close; the CAC was up by 3.6% to end the session at 4488.7.

The Dow ended the week up by 0.76% to close at 18261. The Nasdaq composite index was up by 1.2% over the course of the week at 5305.8.

The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 1.4% to end the session at 16754.

Currency markets review

On the currency markets last week the Yen again enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week closing at $1.2958 to the Pound, a gain of 0.98% on the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.58% to close at $1.1223 to the Euro. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 101.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 1.3% during the week.

The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 113.4, a loss of 0.71% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week, rising by 1.6%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1546.

The Euro now buys 1.0889 CHF, a loss of 0.4% on the week.

Commodities market review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $45.89 per barrel, a gain of 0.26% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1340.4 per ounce, a gain of 2.1% on the week.