AP - World stocks extended gains Thursday as early reports about the U.S. government's tests of banking health helped to reassure many investors that a global economic recovery is on the horizon.

AP - World stock markets rose Wednesday as investor worries about the outcome of the U.S. government's stress tests of the country's 19 leading banks were allayed by better than expected economic and corporate news around the world.

AFP - Europe's main stock markets posted modest gains on Wednesday as cautious investors awaited results of "stress tests" on troubled US banks and key unemployment data this week.

AFP - The London stock market rose again on Wednesday, led by banks and urged on by news that the US private sector shed fewer jobs in April than expected.

Reuters - The Dow and S&P 500 rose more than 1 percent to session highs on Wednesday, boosted by a surge in bank stocks following media reports on stress test results that suggested bank capital shortfalls might be less than previously expected.

AP - Investors found more reasons to buy stocks Wednesday as fears eased about unemployment and the health of banks.

Reuters - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as cautious investors fretted about impending bank stress test results and energy shares succumbed to the pressure of lower oil prices.