They cite improved U.S. data since the July 31-Aug. 1 meeting, ideas the Fed will want to see the August jobs report next week before tipping its hand, and maybe even a desire to hold off to save some firepower in case economic conditions worsen ( see related story ).

FORBES: Precious Metals, Other Markets To Take Cue From Bernanke Speech Friday

On Aug. 24, 1989, the Dow was up 57 percent from its Black Monday disaster and broke its August 1987 record.

NPR: So The Dow Hit A Record; Now Where Do We Go?

Everyone knows August was a volatile month after the downgrade of U.S. credit from AAA to AA on Aug. 5.

FORBES: How One Hedge Fund Beat The Market In August