The stock market ended its worst August since 2001 with meager gains after minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting showed officials' increasing concern about the economy.
Stocks posted big gains after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank was ready to step in if the U.S. economy showed further signs of weakening.
Investors regained their enthusiasm for stocks Tuesday, sending prices sharply after reports showed a slight improvement in housing and a big jump in industrial production.
Stocks slumped Friday after banks' second-quarter earnings fell short of expectations and a new survey found that consumers are becoming more pessimistic.
Bank stocks shot higher Friday after an agreement on a financial regulation bill reassured investors that new rules won't devastate financial companies' profits.
The Louisiana federal judge who struck down a six-month ban on deepwater oil drilling has sold many of his energy investments, a financial disclosure report released Friday reveals. Louisiana - Oil spill - Oil well - Energy - Environment
A monthly report on unemployment that fell far short of expectations sent stocks and interest rates sharply lower Friday. Business - Stock market - Investing - Stocks and Bonds - Equities
