Monday, stocks climbed 0.3% in Asia and Europe and 0.7% in the U.S. on moderate volume. The VXO dropped 8% to close at 12.18. This was enough to move the Dow Jones Industrial average above the 25,000 mark. The positive news that triggered the gains was that trade wars with China had been suspended.
Tuesday, stocks closed little changed in Asia, gained 0.3 in Europe, and fell slightly in the U.S. on light volume. This knocked the Dow Jones Industrial Average below the 25,000 level again. The negative news that influenced losses was a reversal of the news that drove the previous day.
Wednesday, stocks fell 0.5% in Asia, 1.2% in Europe, and slightly in the U.S. on moderate volume as the VXO dropped 5% to close at 11.82. The Fed released the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting. Statements seemed to be pretty balanced, but the news brought a bit of a recovery in stocks.
Thursday, stocks fell slightly in Asia, 0.6% in Europe, and 0.4% in the U.S. on moderate volume. The VXO fell 11% to close at 10.53. The big news that moved stocks was that President Trump withdrew from treaty talks with North Korea. Interestingly after the bell, North Korea softened their uncooperative stance and asked that the talks resume.
Friday, stocks closed little changed in Asia and Europe.. In the U.S., they fell 0.5% on light volume. The VXO rose 21% to close at 12.74. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond yield closed down 2% to end at 2.93.