Market Report 19 October 2009

Review of the Week

The upward momentum seen over the past couple of months continued again last week, albeit the gains were somewhat lower than in previous weeks.

The FTSE100 remained relatively unchanged only posting a gain of 0.55% to close the week up at 5,190.24, having opened at 5,161.87.   Over in the US, the DOW managed to push back through the key 10,000 point barrier during the week’s trading.  However by the end of the week, it managed to close just shy of that level at 9,995.91, a rise of 1.33% having opened at 9,864.94.   

In the Far East both the key indices followed suit. The Nikkei225 began the week at 10,016.39 and finished up at 10,267.56, a rise of 2.41%. The Hang Seng had begun the week at 21,499.44 and closed up at 21,929.9, an increase of 2.0%. 
 
In respect of Oil and Gold, the fortunes were slightly mixed. Oil had begun the week trading at just over 71 a barrel and gained ground to close the week out at just over 78.  Gold on the other hand managed to maintain the important 1,000 level, however in terms of weekly performance it remained unchanged at 1,055. 

The Week Ahead

As in the previous couple of weeks, the news from FTSE100 companies is relatively quiet.

Tuesday will see an update from Autonomy, whilst Wednesday will bring news from Home Retail Group and Friday closes with BSkyB.

 

This data is provided by Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre. This is not intended to constitute an offer or agreement to buy or sell investments.

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2009-10-21 15:05:26 © Moneyextra.com