AP - Most Asian stock markets sank Friday as mixed economic data from the world's largest economy reinforced fears that investors have overestimated the recovery's strength.

AP - European stock markets rose modestly Friday following a mixed performance in Asia as investors awaited key comments from U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

AP - Stock futures rose moderately Friday, pointing to a higher open on Wall Street as investors await a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

AP - European stock markets and Wall Street futures rose Friday after another advance in China and ahead of key comments from U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

AFP - Europe's main stock markets advanced Friday, extending the previous day's gains, as investors welcomed encouraging economic data in the eurozone, analysts said.

AP - J.M. Smucker Co., maker of jams, jellies and Jif peanut butter, said Friday its fiscal first-quarter profit more than doubled, mostly on increased sales from last year's Folgers acquisition.

AP - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has told investors what they wanted to hear: The economy is indeed on the verge of recovery.

Reuters - J.M. Smucker Co , known for its peanut-butter and jelly, posted a quarterly profit that easily topped market expectations, helped by strong results at its Folgers business, and expected its full-year profit at the higher end of its outlook, sending its shares up 3 percent.

Reuters - Women's clothing retailer AnnTaylor Stores Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Friday, helped by improved merchandise at its LOFT stores and cost cuts.

AP - International investors have been unnerved by the recent plunge in China's stock market, fearing it signaled that a global recovery may be stalling, but many analysts say those worries are overblown.

AFP - European stock markets and the euro currency soared on Friday as a survey showed the eurozone economy stabilising in August, boosting hopes that Europe is gradually emerging from the crisis.

Reuters - J.M. Smucker Co , best known for its peanut butter and jelly, posted a higher quarterly profit that easily beat market view, driven by strong results at its Folgers coffee business, and expected its full-year profit at the top end of its outlook.

AFP/File - Stocks in London soared on Friday after a survey showed the eurozone economy stabilising and US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke said global recovery prospects 'appear good'.

AFP - US stocks soared Friday on a record jump in existing-home sales in July and Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke's comments that global recovery prospects 'appear good.'

Reuters - U.S. securities regulators have dropped a stock options backdating investigation against former Pixar Animation Studios Chief Financial Officer Ann Mather, according to a letter obtained by Reuters on Friday.

AP - The Dow Jones Industrial Average could get a new name.

Reuters - A friend of Bernard Madoff accused of funneling billions of dollars to the imprisoned swindler is seeking the dismissal of four civil charges lodged in June by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

AFP - A sizzling report on US existing-home sales and upbeat comments from Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke on Friday stoked hopes of recovery from the brutal recession and drove up world stock markets.

Reuters - Stocks ended the week at 2009 highs on Friday after a surprising rise in home sales and optimistic comments from Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke reassured investors about the prospects for an economic recovery.

Reuters - A friend of Bernard Madoff accused of helping fund billions of dollars to the imprisoned swindler asked judges to dismiss charges against him by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the trustee of Madoff's investment advisory firm.