European stocks mixed & FTSE lower ahead of hurricane storms & North Korea tension

London stocks closed lower on Friday as investors fret amid worries that North Korea might be preparing for a missile launch on Saturday to mark the celebration of its founding day.

The FTSE 100 closed down at: 7377.  The pound was up 0.65% against the euro at 1.0971 and 0.75% higher against the dollar at: 1.3199.

European stock markets showed a mixed picture with the DAX up at: 12303.  The CAC closed lower at:  5113 down 40 pts.

US stock markets were non-eventful – basically treading water. The US is busy dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Harvey that hit Texas and Louisiana last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up at: 21798

The S&P 500 closed at: 2461

The US is also preparing for the biggest storm the world has ever seen with hurricane Irma due to make US mainland this weekend. Total devastation is to be expected one report read.

There are two more hurricanes to contend with too – Jose and Katia!

North Korea and US tensions are still high on the horizon.

Dark clouds continue to brew over this weekend.