Forex Week in Review

By: Dr. Mike Campbell Last week was a mixed affair for the world’s major stock exchanges. In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE made 0.76%, closing at 6055.8; the Dax gained 0.52% to close at 7217.02; the CAC put on 0.18% to end the session at 4061.91.

The Dow ended the week essentially unchanged, gaining 0.03%, finishing the trading session at 12380. The Nasdaq ended the week down by 0.33% to close at 2780.4.

The Nikkei regained a further 0.51% of its value to end the trading session at 9768.1.

Currency Markets Review

On the currency markets last week, the Euro again had the best of the trading; despite the Portuguese bailout. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling, losing 1.7% and closing at 1.6347 to the Pound. The Greenback lost ground against the Euro last week, shedding 1.8% to close at 1.4401. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 85.2719 to the Yen, a gain of 1.7%.

The Euro closed higher against the Yen ending at 122.8, making 3.6% over the course of the week. The Euro strengthened marginally against Sterling over the course of the week by 0.06%. The close saw one £ buying 1.1351.

Commodities Market Review

On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended higher due to continuing volatility in the markets caused by the situation in Libya, closing at $126.7 per barrel (for May delivery); a gain of 6.7% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold recovered last week, closing at 1469.5 per ounce; representing a gain of 3.6% over last week’s value.
http://www.dailyforex.com/forex-fundamental-analysis/2011/04/Forex-Week-in-Review-April-11-2011/7657