Reuters - U.S. stocks closed out 2009 with the best performance in six years, but monthly employment figures in the first week of the new year will keep investors focused on what is likely to be 2010's reality -- the economy's struggle to recover.

Reuters - U.S. stocks closed out 2009 with the best performance in six years, but monthly employment figures in the first week of the new year will keep investors focused on what is likely to be 2010's reality -- the economy's struggle to recover.

AP - The stock market closed out a remarkable 2009 with a loss as investors bet the improving economy will lead the government to pull back on its stimulus measures. But stocks still managed their best year since 2003 as they recovered from the financial crisis and recession.

Reuters - U.S. stocks ended 2009 on Thursday with their best gains since 2003, driven by optimism about the economy's recovery and a brighter outlook for profits.

AP - Few analysts forecast this year's remarkable stock market rebound as major indexes were plunging to 12-year lows last March. Now, with most experts predicting the pace of stocks' gains will slow in 2010, there's reason to believe they will be proven correct.

AFP - Wall Street enters the first trading week of 2010 on a bullish note but the market remains dogged by concerns on the timing of any interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve amid economy recovery.

AFP - Most Gulf stock markets on Thursday ended 2009 higher following massive losses in the previous year because of the global economic downturn, but their rebound was halted by the Dubai debt crisis.

AFP - The stock market closed higher in a half-day session on Thursday, the final trading session of 2009, to chalk up an impressive annual gain of more than 22 percent.

AP - World stocks edged up Thursday, with traders heading into the long New Year's weekend in upbeat mood following a nine-month bull run that has seen many markets advance over 50 percent.

AFP - British and French stock markets rose Thursday in light holiday-shortened trade to finish 2009 with bumper annual gains of more than 22 percent amid growing investor confidence over economic recovery.

AFP - The leading stock exchange closed higher in a half-day session on Thursday -- the final trading session of 2009 -- to chalk up an impressive annual gain of more than 22 percent.