Monday, stocks rose in Asia 0.5% but fell in Europe 0.9% and gave up 0.5% in the U.S. on low volume. Precious metals rose 2% and their miners gained about twice that amount. Tuesday, stocks fell 0.3% in Asia, rose 0.3% in Europe, and closed little changed in the U.S. on low volume. Crude oil was the big mover of the day sliding 4% to end the day at 45.24.
Wednesday, stocks closed little changed in Asia, gained 0.5% in Europe, and rose slightly in the U.S. on high volume. The VXO moved up 7% to close at 13.32 while the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond yield rose 3% to close at 2.37%. Crude oil shot up 8% on OPEC cut agreement news while precious metals as well as their miners lost 2%.
Thursday, stocks rose in Asia 0.3%, fell in Europe 0.6%, and closed little changed in the U.S. on strong volume. Despite that, the Dow set another record closing high. The VXO rose 5% to close at 14.03. The the big news of the day was again in bonds. 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond yield rose 3% to close at 2.44%.
Friday, stocks fell 0.7% in Asia, slipped 0.3% in Europe, and closed little changed in the U.S. on moderate volume. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond yield fell 2% to close at 2.39% while precious metals gained 2% and their miners moved up about twice that amount. The employment report came in with job counts in line with predictions. Crude oil ended the week well above $50 per barrel.