Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s major markets as investors cogitated a surprise UK election and the ramifications of the French presidential election.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down on last week’s close by 2.9% at 7114.6; the Dax ended at 12049, down by 0.5% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 0.23% to end the session at 5059.2.

The Dow ended the week up by 0.46% to close at 20548. The Nasdaq composite index was down by 1.8% over the course of the week at 5910.5.

The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 1.6% to end the session at 18621.

Currency Markets Review 

On the currency markets last week Sterling enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.2780 to the Pound, a fall of 1.9% on the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.77% to close at $1.0695 to the Euro. The Dollar strengthened against the Japanese currency closing at 109.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.39% during the week.

The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 116.7, a gain of 1.1% over the course of the week. It lost ground against Sterling last week, falling by 1.2%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1949.

The Euro now buys 1.068 CHF, a rise of 0.3% on the week.

Commodities Market Review 

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $51.96 per barrel, a fall of 7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold rose last week closing at $1287.4 per ounce, a rise of 0.12% on the week.