AP - More signs of a weak economy gave investors a reason to sell stocks for a second day.

AP - Disgraced money manager Bernard Madoff has been prohibited from working in the securities industry under a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

AFP - Europe's leading stock markets fell at the open on Wednesday, with London's FTSE 100 index of leading shares down 0.26 percent at 4,317.15 points.

AP - Most Asian stock markets extended their losses Wednesday as the global rally continued to lose steam amid concerns about the pace of any economic recovery. European shares also faltered.

AFP - Europe's main equity markets gained slightly on Tuesday after news that investor confidence in recession-hit Germany had hit a three-year high point, dealers said.

AP - European stock markets steadied Tuesday following big losses around the world over the last 24 hours as investors have grown increasingly cautious about the likelihood that the recent rally in equities will continue through the summer.

AFP - The London stock market rose Tuesday, encouraged by supermarket Tesco announcing strong first quarter results.

AP - Lackluster data on the economy is keeping the market's spring rally on hold.

Reuters - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as mixed economic data spurred worries of an anemic economic recovery and Best Buy's disappointing results signaled consumer spending remains weak.