The world’s major markets all closed lower last week with the one exception of the Nikkei.

In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down on last week’s close by 1.7%, it closed at 6777; the Dax ended at 10573, down by 1% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 1.1% to end the session at 4491.4.

The Dow ended the week down by 2.2% to close at 18085. The Nasdaq composite index was down by 2.4% over the course of the week at 5125.9.

The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading up by 0.24% to end the session at 16966.

Currency markets review

On the currency markets last week the Yen enjoyed the best of the trading. The Dollar was stronger against Sterling last week closing at $1.3259 to the Pound, a gain of 0.28% on the week. The Greenback weakened against the Euro last week by 0.51% to close at $1.1216 to the. The Dollar was weaker against the Japanese currency, closing at 102.9 Yen to the Dollar, making a loss of 1.3% during the week.

The Euro was weaker against the Yen ending at 115.4, a loss of 0.74% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week, rising by 0.78%; the close saw one £ buying €1.1822.

The Euro now buys 1.0954 CHF, a gain of 0.15% on the week. 

Commodities market review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $48.01 per barrel, a rise of 2.5% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1328 per ounce, a gain of 0.48% on the week.