Indices Close in on New Highs

Monday, stocks gained 1.6% in Asia and 0.9% in Europe and the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Precious metals and their miners gained 2%.

Tuesday, stocks advanced 0.3% in Asia, 1.2% in Europe, and slightly in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. Precious metals lost about 1%. Here’s an article that puts into perspective gold prices, inflation, and the interest rate manipulation.

Wednesday, stocks fell 1.0% in Asia but rose 0.4% in Europe and ended unchanged in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended above the 39,000 level.

Thursday, stocks fell 0.4%  in Asia but rose slightly in Europe and 0.7% in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Precious metals moved up 3% and their miners gained 4%. The S&P 500 and NYSE indices finished above 5200 1nd 18,000 respectively.

Friday, stocks rose 0.8% in Asia and Europe while gaining slightly in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 9B to 7.53T.