Monday, stocks gained 0.4% in Asia, 0.6% in Europe, and 0.7% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. Precious metals rose 1% while their miners gained twice that amount. The S&P 500 index closed above 5600.
Tuesday, stocks rose 0.4% in Asia, fell 0.3% in Europe, and in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The VIX rose 8% to close at 15.88. Gold ended above $2500 for a new closing high. The S&P 500 index ended below its 5600 benchmark.
Wednesday, stocks lost 0.4% in Asia, gained 0.3% in Europe, and 0.5% in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The S&P 500 index ended above its 5600 benchmark. The FOMC minutes indicated the FOMC is ready to cut rates at the September meeting.
Thursday, stocks gained 0.3% in Asia and 0.4% in Europe but fell 0.3% in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. The VIX moved up 8% to close at 17.55. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 2% to end at 3.86. Precious metals and their miners fell 2%. The S&P 500 index closed below 5600. At Jackson Hole, Fed Chair Powell encouraged bulls with a statement that it was time to begin easing interest rates.
Friday, stocks fell slightly in Asia but gained 0.5% in Europe, and 1.3% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX fell 10% to close at 15.86. Precious metals gained 2%. The S&P 500 index closed above 5600 while the NYSE ended above 19,000. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 38B to 7.14T.