Monday, stocks ended little changed in Europe but fell 0.3% in Asia and 0.5% in the U.S. on 11B shares traded. The VIX rose 6% to close at 14.69. NASDAQ ended above its 20,000 benchmark to a record closing high while Apple ended above its 250 benchmark at a record close as well. IBM closed below its 230 level.
Tuesday, stocks fell 0.4% in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. on 17B shares traded. Apple notched another record closing high. Many months ago, you may recall this update stopped reporting monthly jobs reports data. Here’s a link that explains the data was indeed fictional.
Wednesday, stocks closed unchanged in Asia and up slightly in Europe but skidded 3% in the U.S. on 19B shares traded in reaction to the FOMC statements. The VIX shot up 74% to end at 27.62 and blast into the fear zone. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 2% to end at 4.49. Precious metals fell 2% while their miners lost 5%. The Dow, NASDAQ, S&P 500, and NYSE closed below their respective 43,000, 20,000, 5900, and 19,000 benchmarks. Apple ended below its 250 level. This extreme action came in response to FOMC statements about the future of interest rates.
Thursday, stocks fell 1.7% in Asia, and 1.5% in Europe but ended little changed in the U.S. on 17B shares traded. The VIX dropped 13% to close at 24.09. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield rose 2% to end at 4.57. The Dow closed below 42,000.
Friday, stocks fell 1.2% in Asia, 1.0% in Europe, and in the U.S. on 24B shares traded. The VIX plummeted 24% to end at 18.36 and transition back from fear to greed. Precious metals gained 2%. The S&P 500 and NYSE ended above their respective 5900 and 19,000 benchmarks. Apple closed above 250 at another record closing high. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 8B to 6.89T.