In European Equity Markets indices finished the week higher on average to secure the longest weekly winning streak in three years. The pan-European Stoxx 600 ended Friday 0.38 percent higher with the different sectors moving in opposite directions. Basic resources led the gains, up by 1.7 percent, on earnings. The world’s largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal jumped 2.3 percent after beating first-quarter expectations. Looking at individual stocks, Sika shares finished up by 8.33 percent, putting among the top-performing companies across Europe. This was after news that the autos parts company struck an agreement with Saint-Gobain to end a legal dispute.

In Currency Markets the US dollar fell for a third day on Friday against a basket of currencies as traders booked gains on its recent run-up tied to the widening interest rate gaps in favor of the United States and signs of cooling growth in the rest of the world. The euro rose for a second day as the greenback retreated further from a 2018 peak reached earlier this week. The euro scored a 0.2 percent gain at $1.1935 and a 0.25 percent rise against the Japanese currency at 130.59 yen. The Swedish currency gained 0.6 percent at 9.5968 crowns per dollar, putting on track for the best weekly gain versus the greenback since late June 2017.

In Commodities Markets oil prices slipped on Friday, but remained near 3-1/2 year highs on Friday as the prospect of new U.S. sanctions on Iran tightened the outlook for Middle East supply at a time when global crude production is only just keeping pace with rising demand. Brent crude was down 11 cents at $77.35 a barrel. On Thursday, the global benchmark hit $78, its highest since November 2014. U.S. light crude was down 16 cents at $71.20, having touched a 3-1/2 year high of $71.89 on Thursday. For the week, Brent was on track for a 3.3-percent gain and and U.S. crude a 2.1-percent rise. Many analysts expect oil prices to rise as Iran’s exports fall.

In US Equity Markets indices edged higher on Friday as healthcare shares rose ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech on curbing prescription drug costs that is seen as largely sparing the industry. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index jumped 1.3 percent, while the S&P healthcare index rose 0.6 percent and was the biggest boost to the broader index. The S&P 500 was up 0.20 percent, at 2,728.64 and the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.02 percent, at 7,403.75. Verizon rose 3.1 percent after JPMorgan upgraded the wireless carrier to “overweight”, saying 5G opportunity will start to crystallize in next few months.

In Bond Markets investors bought up Italian government bonds on Friday, taking advantage of this week’s sharp rise in yields and soothed by some moderate comments from the anti-establishment parties that look likely to form Italy’s next government. Italian 10-year yields were set for their biggest weekly rise since February, although they were down 5 basis points on Friday at 1.88 percent. Outside of Southern Europe, most euro zone government bond yields were a touch higher. Germany’s 10-year Bund yield rose 1 basis point to 0.56 percent.