Monday, stocks closed unchanged in Asia, gained 0.5% in Europe, and advanced 0.3% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX rose 8% to close at 13.93.
Tuesday, stocks rose 1.2% in Asia, but fell 0.9% in Europe, and 1.5% in the U.S. on 13B shares traded. The VIX moved up 14% to close at 15.85. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 3% to end at 4.32. Precious metals fell 2% and their miners dropped 5%. The S&P 500 Index ended below its 5000 benchmark. The hotter than expected CPI report spooked the markets. Despite what we may be hearing in the news, the data indicates the U.S. economy is not particularly strong.
Wednesday, stocks in Asia fell 0.7% but advanced 0.5% in Europe and 0.5% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX fell 8% to end at 14.59. Precious metals gained about 1%.
Thursday, stocks rose 1.3% in Asia, 0.7% in Europe, and 1.1% in the U.S. on 12B shares traded. Precious metals gained 1% and their miners moved up about three times that amount. The S&P 500 Index notched another closing high and again advanced above its 5000 benchmark.
Friday, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia and 0.7% in Europe but closed slightly lower in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. Precious metals gained 1%. For the week, cryptocurrencies moved up about 10%. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet increased 3B to 7.63T.