Passing the Torch

Monday, stocks fell 0.9% in Asia but rose 1.0% in Europe and 0.7% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX fell 10% to end at 14.91. The NASDAQ ended above its 18,000 benchmark as Biden dropped out from the Presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris.

Tuesday, stocks gained 0.6% in Asia, ended slightly higher in Europe and closed little changed in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The NASDAQ ended below its 18,000 benchmark.

Wednesday, stocks lost 0.3% in Asia, 0.6% in Europe, and 1.1% in the U.S. on 13B shares traded. The VIX shot up 23% to end at 18.04.  The Dow closed below the 40,000 level while the S&P 500 ended below 5500. Apple closed below its 220 level. Precious metals fell about 1%.

Thursday, stocks fell 1.8% in Asia and 0.7% in Europe but rose slightly in the U.S. on 13B shares traded. The S&P 500 index closed below its 5400 benchmark, but a strong earnings report propelled IBM to ende above its 190 level. Precious metals fell 2% and their miners lost 3%.

Friday, stocks lost 1.2% in Asia but gained 0.9% in Europe, and 1.2% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX fell 11% to end at 16.39. The Dow closed above 40,000 while the S&P 500 ended above 5400 as the Paris Summer Olympics began. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 3B to 7.21T.