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 climbed Wednesday after key reports on private sector hiring and the services industry provided reassurances that the economy continues to grow.
Stocks had their biggest rally in two weeks Thursday as earnings and economic reports reassured investors that the recovery, while uncertain, is continuing.
Stocks slumped Friday after banks' second-quarter earnings fell short of expectations and a new survey found that consumers are becoming more pessimistic.
Louis Oosthuizen withstood everything thrown at him by the Scottish weather, a hungry chasing pack and a testing Old Course layout to move to the brink of a first major win at the British Open on Saturday.
