Monday, stocks rose in Asia and Europe 0.8% and in the U.S. 1.2% on strong volume. The VXO slid 12% to 14.21.
Tuesday, stocks rose 1.3% in Asia, fell slightly in Europe, and rose slightly in the U.S. on moderate volume. The VXO fell 7% to close at 13.26. Apple rose above the 180 benchmark. Precious metals gained 1% and their miners rose twice that amount.
Wednesday, stocks fell 0.5% in Asia. In Europe and the U.S. they rose 0.7% on strong volume. This left the S&P 500 index back above the elusive 2800 mark. Thursday, stocks fell slightly in Asia, gained 0.8% in Europe, and closed little changed in the U.S. on moderate volume. Precious metals fell 1% while their miners lost twice that amount. Friday, stocks gained 0.6% in Asia, 0.7% in Europe, and 0.4% in the U.S. on volume fitting for a quadruple witching day. The VXO fell 9% to close at 12.15 as the buyback window again closes in anticipation of the next earnings report cycle.