Monday, stocks rose 0.5% in Asia and 0.4% in Europe and in U.S. on 9B shares traded. Precious metals miners advanced about 2%. It’s becoming increasingly sad to see people wearing face masks in public. Here’s another article attesting they are of no effect against viruses.
Tuesday, stocks gained 0.4% in Asia, declined slightly in Europe, and ended unchanged in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Precious metals fell about 1%.
Wednesday, stocks fell 0.4% in Europe and slipped slightly in Europe and the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The monthly CPI release produced little reaction to stock prices.
Thursday, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia, 1.5% in Europe, and 1.0% in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The S&P 500 and NYSE indices ended above their respective 4500 and 16,000 benchmarks. Thursday evening the UAW began a strike against the big three U.S. auto manufacturers.
Friday, stocks advanced 0.8% in Asia and 0.3% in Europe but declined 0.7% in the U.S. on 18B shares traded. The VIX moved up 8% to close at 13.79. Precious metals gained 1% and their miners rose twice that amount. The S&P 500 and NYSE indices ended below their respective 4500 and 16,000 benchmarks. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 1B to 8.10T.