AFP - Leading stocks in London closed marginally higher on Thursday despite mixed US data dampening hopes for a break in the economic gloom.

AP - Wall Street built on its big March rally Thursday as fresh nuggets of upbeat news gave traders reason to reach for more stocks.

Reuters - Stocks rose for a second straight day on Thursday on continued optimism the U.S. recession may be easing, as fourth-quarter economic data and weekly jobless claims that were in line with expectations kept the focus on positive signs earlier in the week.

Reuters - Stocks rose in a late rally on Wednesday as unexpectedly strong housing and durable goods data fueled hopes the economy is finally on the mend, offsetting concerns the United States may struggle to fund plans to pull the economy out of recession.

AP - Wall Street managed a moderate gain Wednesday after an attack of nerves had investors giving back a big early advance and then barreling back into the market right before the close. The day shows how fragile Wall Street remains despite a two-week rally. The market was pulled in different directions by both good and bad news on the economy that led to choppy trading — which may well be the pattern for stocks going forward.

AP - Wall Street is showing it still has some moxie.

AP - Asian markets gained Thursday, building on this month's rally as better-than-forecast economic data in the U.S. buoyed hopes that government stimulus measures are starting to heal the global economy.

Reuters - The euro slipped against the dollar on Wednesday after a closely-watched survey showed German corporate sentiment fell to a record low, while world stocks inched up after hitting a 5-1/2 week high the previous day.

AP - European stocks fell Wednesday following overnight drops on Wall Street and data showing German business sentiment slid to a 26-year low in March.

AFP - Leading stocks in London closed down on Wednesday as looming job cuts at financial giants HSBC and Legal and General cancelled out positive data from the US.