Energy Sector on Fire

Monday, stocks in Asia gained 0.8%, in Europe lost 0.3%, and in the U.S. gained 1.2% on massive volume. Energy stocks soared. The VXO fell 7% to close at 22.12. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 3% to close at 0.86. Precious metals fell 2% and their miners gave up twice that amount. IBM recaptured its 120 closing benchmark.

Tuesday, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia and Europe and blasted 1.8% higher in the U.S. on massive volume. Energy stocks caught fire for a second consecutive day. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 3% to close at 0.88. Precious metals and their miners fell 2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 30,000 level — setting a new closing record. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ closed above their 3600 and 12,000 benchmarks respectively. The NYSE Index closed above its 14,000 benchmark to set a new closing high.

Wednesday, stocks fell 0.3% in Asia, closed unchanged in Europe, and fell 0.4% in the U.S. on very high volume. Precious metals miners gained 2%. The S&P 500 Index marked another record high close. The FOMC minutes released contained little insight regarding future moves.

Thursday, stocks in Asia gained 0.9% but in Europe they were little changed. Markets in the U.S. were closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday, stocks gained slightly in Asia, rose 0.4% in Europe, were nearly unchanged in the U.S. on moderate volume on a shortened trading day. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield fell 4% to close at 0.84. Precious metals lost 2%. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ ended with record closing highs.