Monday, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia, 0.6% in Europe, and 0.8% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX fell 9% to end at 15.94. Precious metals and their miners dropped 4%. The S&P 500 index closed above the 5000 level.
Tuesday, stocks advanced 1.0% in Asia and 1.1% in Europe and the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX declined 7% to close at 15.69. Precious metals miners gained 2%.
Wednesday, stocks gained 2.2% in Asia but lost 0.4% in Europe and declined slightly in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Here’s an interesting article about a new type of ETFs designed to compete with fixed-index annuities.
Thursday, stocks fell 1.1% in Asia, 0.6% in Europe, and slightly in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. IBM closed below its 170 benchmark.
Friday, stocks rose 0.5% in Asia, 1.1% in Europe, and slightly in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Earnings from Alphabet and Microsoft offered some hope for AI investors. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 3B to 7.40T.