Monday, stocks in Asia fell 0.3%, closed little changed in Europe, and rose 0.3% in the U.S. on light volume.
Tuesday, stocks gained 0.7% in Asia, 1.7% in Europe, and 1% in the U.S. on strong volume in reaction to encouraging words from President Trump on prospects for resolution of the trade war with China. Precious metals and their miners gained 1%.
Wednesday, stocks moved up 2% in Asia, closed little changed in Europe, and gained 0.4% in the U.S. on light volume. The FOMC released their breathlessly awaited statement indicating no action but a dovish slant. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond rate fell 2% to close at 2.03.
Thursday, stocks gained 1.4% in Asia, 0.4% in Europe, and 1% in the U.S. on moderate volume. That pushed the NASDAQ Index to end over the 8000 level and the NYSE to close above 13,000. Precious metals gained nearly 3% and their miners rose about twice that amount. Friday, stocks fell 0.4% in Asia and Europe. In the U.S. they fell 0.3% on very anemic volume for a quadruple witching day. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond rate rose 3% to close at 2.07. For the week, cryptocurrencies came back to life with a greater than 10% gain.