Monday, stocks in Asia and Europe gained slightly. Markets were closed in the U.S. for Memorial Day. Tuesday, stocks in Asia gained 0.3%, closed down slightly in Europe, and fell 0.9% in the U.S. on light volume. The VXO rose 7% to close at 19.25. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond rate fell 2% to close at 2.27.
Wednesday, stocks fell 0.8% in Asia, 1.4% in Europe, and 0.6% in the U.S. on strong volume. IBM closed below the 130 benchmark. Thursday, stocks in Europe gained 0.3%. In Asia and the U.S. they closed little changed on moderate volume. Friday, stocks fell 0.4% in Asia, 0.8% in Europe, and 1.1% in the U.S. on strong volume. VXO moved up 8% to close over the 20 threshold that indicates fear as it closed at 20.98. Precious metals gained 1% while their miners shot up 4%.