AP - European and U.S. markets rose modestly Friday after retail sales data showed American consumers are picking up their spending — a key ingredient for economic recovery ahead of the holiday season.

AFP - The benchmark FTSE 100 index crept up for the second successive day on Friday as investors shrugged off Greece's debt woes, traders said.

AP - Stocks mostly rose Friday on signs that consumers and businesses are feeling more confident about the economy.

Reuters - The Dow and S&P 500 rose on Friday as a stronger-than-expected retail sales for November reinforced investors' confidence in a steady recovery of the economy.

AP - A jump in exports lifted stocks Thursday, offsetting concerns about an increase in unemployment claims.

Reuters - World stocks extended gains and oil rebounded on Friday as upbeat data from China and the United States underscored an economic recovery, weighing on safe-haven government bonds and the low-yielding yen.

AFP - London shares steadied at the start of trading on Friday, with the index rising by only 0.07 percent to 5,247.82 points.

AP - World markets advanced Friday as a big improvement in China's exports pointed to rising global demand that could lift other trade-reliant economies.

Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a higher opening for Wall Street on Friday ahead of U.S. retail sales data, with futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq 100 up 0.4 to 0.7 percent at 0937 GMT.