Stocks, Stocks Up | featured news

U.S. stocks edged higher, bolstered by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments that the economy is unlikely to slide into a second recession, but worries about European finances persisted after Fitch Ratings warned that the U.K. faces budget challenges.

European leaders agree to a nearly $1 trillion rescue plan to avoid a major debt crisis; Federal Reserve says it will also provide loans overseas.

U.S. stocks rose as optimism rose over the upcoming earnings season and confidence in the global economy strengthened after European leaders pledged to extend aid to Greece.

The Dow traded over 11,000 for the first time since 2008. But some believe the market has come too far too fast.

Reaction to last week's employment report translates into stock market gains as service sector, real estate also report upbeat news.

The stock market continued its advance of the past month after the Fed said it would keep interest rates low to revive the economy.

U.S. stocks rose broadly, with investors encouraged by a government report that job losses were less than expected in February.

Rising oil and metals prices boosted the materials and energy sectors, including shares of Alcoa and Caterpillar. Ford opened at its highest price in five years.

U.S. stocks gained, as rising commodity prices boosted energy stocks, concerns about European governments' debt loads eased and data showed a brightening outlook for New York area manufacturing.

Rising oil prices and better-than-expected earnings from Exxon Mobil boosted energy companies.