AP - World stock markets soared Thursday, with Hong Kong's benchmark vaulting more than 7 percent, as stronger-than-expected U.S. economic figures boosted confidence the world's largest economy is on the mend.

AFP - Asian and European stocks soared Thursday as dealers hoped the G20 summit would produce a plan to solve the world financial crisis, while positive US economic data also boosted confidence, traders said.

AP - Investors bought up stocks with renewed commitment on Thursday, sending the Dow Jones industrials above the 8,000 mark for the first time in nearly two months.

Reuters - Stocks jumped on Thursday as changes in bank accounting rules boosted optimism the financial system may stabilize in the short term, while world leaders agreed on measures to fight the recession.

Reuters - Stocks climbed on Wednesday as factory and home sales data raised hopes the economic downturn is moderating, sparking a broad advance.

AP - Wall Street began the second quarter on solid footing Wednesday as better-than-expected economic reports helped extend a four-week rally. After falling in the early going on disappointing jobs data, stocks rose after figures showed a rebound in pending home sales and improving manufacturing activity.

AP - Wall Street opened the second quarter with solid gains, extending a four-week rally that brought the market off its lowest levels in 12 years.

AP - World stock markets soared Thursday, with Hong Kong's benchmark vaulting more than 7 percent, as stronger-than-expected U.S. economic figures boosted confidence the world's largest economy is on the mend.

AFP - European stocks tipped lower on Wednesday, despite earlier gains in Tokyo and overnight on Wall Street, as investors awaited a crucial G20 summit in London, dealers said.

AP - European stock markets fell Wednesday despite earlier gains in Asia amid ongoing pessimism surrounding the Group of 20 summit of world leaders and concerns about the future of U.S. carmakers General Motors Corp. and Chrysler.

AFP - The Kuwait Stock Exchange suspended trading on Wednesday in the stocks of 36 companies, mostly investment firms, for failing to report in time their financial results for last year.

AFP - Britain's benchmark FTSE 100 index rose 0.75 percent on Wednesday after mixed economic news from the United States as investors waited for a strong lead from the meeting of G20 world leaders here.