"Imo this gain in our markets, small as it is, is HUGE. It sends a clear message that we will not be intimidated by the cowardly vermin. Their primary goal of wiping us from the planet can only be accomplished by the destruction of our economy, the success of which in the end is based on the confidence of the public."
Well put. I also think that most people on both sides of the pond have come to understand we are at war and there will be casualties. I hate this nasty stuff. We need to be equally nasty and hope both countries are ramping up special ops to return the favors.
It isn't that at all. The black boxes that do the majority of the trading have no emotions -- no fear -- and the software algorithms that drive them are unaware. The fact that some human speculators continued to speculate -- well, that's more indicative of extreme complacency than any kind of courageous response. Out of complacency come panics when the mood changes and the denial ends.
To me, the best indication of American's lack of intimidation will be continued tourist visits to London. Alternatively, and I expect this, many cancellations will occur.