Monday, stocks gained 0.3% in Asia but fell slightly in Europe. Markets were closed in the U.S. Tuesday, stocks fell 0.8% in Asia, 0.5% in Europe, and 1.6% in the U.S. on high volume. The VXO rose 20% to close above the benchmark that defines fear ending the day at 21.38. The NASDAQ fell to close just below the 7000 benchmark again as the NYSE closed below 12,000.
After the bell, IBM was up to it’s tricks again with more bizarre creative accounting. Wednesday, stocks in Asia rose 0.3%, closed little changed in Europe and the U.S. on moderate volume. IBM blasted above 130 in response to news in their quarterly report.
Thursday, stocks in Asia gained 0.5%, gained slightly in Europe, and closed little changed in the U.S. on strong volume. The VXO again closed below the key 20 benchmark. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond rate fell 2% to close at 2.71.
Friday, stocks rose in Asia 1.5%, in Europe 0.5%, and in the U.S. 0.8% on strong volume. The VXO fell 6% to close at 18.25. Precious metals gained about 2% while their miners rose twice that amount. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond rate rose 2% to close at 2.75.