Stock Market Report, 1 Feb 2010

Market Indices

The downward pressure continued across all four key indices last week, although it was only the Nikkei 225 which posted a bigger loss than the week before.
 
The FTSE100 had begun the week at 5,302.99, but closed down a further 2.16% to finish at 5,188.52. The US faired slightly better to close down only 1.04% at 10,067.33, having begun the week at 10,172.98.

Over in Asia the losses were slightly greater. The Nikkei 225 posted the biggest loss of the four indices, closing down at 10,198.04, a drop of 3.71% having opened at 10,590.55.  The Hang Seng also posted a significant loss of 2.92%, closing down at 20,121.99 having opened at 20,726.18.

In terms of Oil and Gold, the story was much the same as the key indices.  Oil had begun the week trading at 74.54 however it slipped back to close down at 72.89.  Gold also followed suit closing down at 1,087.15 having begun the week at 1,096.50.

The Week Ahead

In terms of companies reporting this week, the numbers are beginning to increase as we edge into the reporting season.

Monday will see an update from Xstrata, whilst Tuesday will see news from the oil giant BP.

Wednesday will see a host of companies reporting ranging from Standard Life, Autonomy, ENRC and finally Antofagasta.

Thursday has updates from Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone and the other oil giant Royal Dutch Shell.

Friday finally brings news from BG, British Airways and Compass.


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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2010-02-03 13:58:59 © Moneyextra.com