An uptick in merger activity on Monday propelled stocks upward, as the Dow gained back all the losses from the S&P US debt downgrade on August 5. Stocks slid about a percent on Tuesday on disappointment over how European officials plan to solve their debt woes. On Wednesday, the markets were largely unchanged despite several companies such as Target and Staples posting positive earnings reports. Fear returned once again on Thursday, causing a 400+ drop in the Dow following a host of negative US economic reports. Gold hit an all-time high at more than $1800 an ounce. On Friday, stocks made early gains in the morning before dropping another 1.6%, as the threat over a double-dip recession seems to be growing.

Stocks had another difficult week, with small cap stocks once again being battered more than large-cap stocks.

[table id=24 /]