Reuters - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday as a report pointing to stronger business spending boosted shares of blue-chip computer firms and heavy equipment makers, overshadowing the latest signs of turmoil in the financial sector.

AP - Wall Street managed to finish an erratic session with a moderate gain Wednesday as investors found some comfort in upbeat data on durable goods orders.

AFP - South Korea's government on Thursday dismissed rumours of the death of North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il as baseless after they swirled through stock markets.

AP - Stocks pulled back modestly Wednesday as a rebound in oil prices sapped an early rally brought by an upbeat durable goods orders report.

Reuters - Stocks fell in choppy trading on Wednesday as renewed fears about the health of the financial sector overshadowed stronger-than-expected data on business investment that suggested an improving economy.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Tuesday, led by Apple Inc and other technology bellwethers, as investors bet that a sharp drop in oil prices will help shore up consumer and business spending.

AP - Wall Street advanced in uneven trading Tuesday after a drop in oil prices and an unexpected gain in new home sales encouraged investors to put money back into the market.

Reuters - Britain's Defense Minister Des Browne endorsed peace talks between Pakistan and Taliban militants on Wednesday despite concerns from Afghanistan that the talks will allow the Taliban to regroup and launch more attacks.

AFP - Europe's main stocks market slid on Tuesday as oil prices rallied towards record highs and investors awaited the return of action on Wall Street following a long holiday weekend in the United States.

Reuters - U.S. stocks were slightly higher on Tuesday as lower oil prices dragged down shares of energy companies while lifting airlines and data showed a mixed picture of the housing sector.

AP - Wall Street moved higher in uncertain trading Tuesday as investors sifted through a mix of economic data: a government report that showed the first gain in new home sales in six months and a disappointing reading on consumer confidence.

AP - European stock markets edged higher Monday and key Asian markets fell amid worries about high oil prices and the U.S. economy on a day when the U.S. and British markets were closed for a holiday.

AP - European stock markets edged higher Monday and key Asian markets fell amid worries about high oil prices and the U.S. economy on a day when U.S. markets were closed for the Memorial Day holiday.