The Dow Jones had its second biggest up day of the year and finished up nearly 400 points (2.40%) today.  US participants came back from the long holiday weekend with optimistic sentiments, particularly encouraged by expectations for additional economic stimulus measures from Chinese authorities.  Weak export data in China fueled chatter of stimulus measures which also caused Chinese equities to rise.  The risk-on sentiment in global equities today translated to traders exiting long positions in gold.  The yellow metal trended lower for the fourth day in a row but was buoyed yet again ahead of the $1,115 area.  The $1,115 – $1,117 region has now held four times in the last two weeks and is becoming an increasingly important area of support.  The 50 day moving average at $1,125.50 was the high of today and is short term resistance.  Silver traded higher today but found offers that weighed on it ahead of psychological resistance at $15.  It has put in a double bottom the last two trading days at $14.50 and is trading in a range without much conviction.