Monday, stocks fell slightly in Asia, rose slightly in Europe, and gained 1.3% in the U.S. on 14B shares traded. The VIX fell 9% to close at 17.48. Precious metals declined 1%. The DOW, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 indices closed above their respective 42,000, 18,000, and 5700 benchmarks. Apple ended above 220.
Tuesday, stocks lost 0.6% in Asia but gained 0.7% in Europe, and little changed in the U.S. on 13B shares traded. Precious metals gained 1% and miners advanced twice that amount.
Wednesday, stocks gained 0.4% in Asia but lost 0.7% in Europe, and 0.5% in the U.S. on 16B shares traded. The VIX rose 7% to close at 18.33. The NASDAQ closed below 18,000. IBM ended above the 250 mark.
Thursday, stocks lost 0.5% in Asia, 0.4% in Europe, and 0.3% in the U.S. on 15B shares traded. Precious metals and their miners gained about 2%. Gold posted a new closing high. IBM closed below 250.
Friday, stocks fell 1.1% in Asia, 0.8% in Europe, and 1.4% in the U.S. on 15B shares traded. The VIX shot up 16% to end at 21.65 and transitioned from greed to fear. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury bond yield fell 3% to end at 4.26. Gold posted another record closing high. The Dow ended below 42,000 and the S&P 500 index closed below its 5600 benchmark. Apple closed under its 220 level. Finally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet declined 16B to 6.74T.