Monday, stocks fell 1.8% in Asia, closed nearly unchanged in Europe, and gained 0.8% in the U.S. on strong volume. IBM closed just above the 120 benchmark while Apple slid further on actions indicating weak demand projected for the iPhone X. Tuesday, mid-term election day, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia, fell 0.3% in Europe, and gained 0.5% in the U.S. on moderate volume.
Wednesday, stocks gained 0.4% in Asia, 1.1% in Europe, and 1.6% in the U.S. on high volume. The VXO dropped 20% to close at 16.72. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recaptured the 26,000 benchmark and the S&P 500 Index closed above the 2800 level.
Thursday, stocks rose 0.5% in Asia, closed little changed in Europe, and fell 0.5% in the U.S. on strong volume as the FOMC minutes were released with no change in policy indicated. Friday, stocks fell 1.6% in Asia, 0.4% in Europe, and 0.7% in the U.S. on strong volume. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell below the 26,000 mark and the S&P 500 Index fell below 2800 again.