
Global stock markets plunged on Monday after China reported that its economy grew more slowly in the first quarter — setting off a drop of more than 250 points in the Dow Jones index for the worst trading day of the year.
Global stock markets plunged Monday after China reported that its economy grew more slowly in the first quarter setting off a drop of more than 250 points in the Dow Jones index for the worst trading day of the year.

U.S. stocks mostly rose on Monday as growth in manufacturing provided more evidence that the economy may be picking up, or at least not getting any worse.

It's not making headlines, but this year's unusually mild weather and low home-heating costs substantially offset the pinch from fast-rising gasoline prices and underpinned the revival of consumer spending.

Calm returned to the stock market Wednesday, a day after the biggest dive this year. Stocks rose smoothly as reassuring reports on productivity and hiring overshadowed jitters about the Greek debt crisis.

Stocks edged between small gains and losses Friday afternoon as traders scrutinized a plan to contain Europe's debt crisis that sent the market soaring a day earlier.