Monday, stocks fell slightly in Europe but rose 1.4% in Asia and 0.9% in the U.S. on 15B shares traded. The VIX fell 6% to close at 14.08. Precious metals and their miners gained about 3%. The NYSE ended above its 22,000 benchmark.
Tuesday, stocks gained 0.9% in Asia and 0.4% in Europe but advanced only slightly in the U.S. on 14B shares traded. Precious metals rose about 3% again. The S&P 500 closed above the 6900 level and notched a record high close. The NYSE also registered a record high close.
Wednesday, stocks ended little changed in Asia, unchanged in Europe, and up 0.4% the U.S. on 8B shares traded. The Dow, S&P 500, and NYSE each set a record high close.
Thursday, stocks in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. were closed for Christmas Day.
Friday, stocks rose 0.6% in Asia but closed unchanged in Europe and little changed in the U.S. on 10B shares traded. Precious metals shot up 4% while their miners gained 2%. The NYSE logged another record closing high.
On a personal note, I sold the last of my positions in Hussman Funds. Dr. Hussman seems to have lost his way with his preoccupation with finding a cause and cure for autism, eastern religion nonsense, and severe Trump Derangement Syndrome. He had a good idea to hedge against market downturns, but his results have been abysmal. I’ll still keep an eye on his essays, but do not anticipate ever investing in his funds again.