Earnings & Sales Reports, Good News | featured news

Stocks climbed as companies continued to report stronger-than-forecast results, though new data offered mixed signals on an economic recovery.

The bank reported that its first-quarter net income more than tripled, to $4.2 billion, largely beating analyst expectations.

The bank’s reported income of $1.6 billion was helped by an accounting adjustment that allowed a one-time gain of $2.5 billion on its derivative positions.

Wall Street extended its rally into a second day Wednesday as financial stocks padded their own big gains.

The Dow soars more than 300 points after the banking company reports that it was profitable through the first two months of the year. Other financial stocks also gain. Good news from a bank -- finally -- is sending the stock market to its best gain this year.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Thursday posted better-than-expected February sales results, boosted by value-seeking shoppers, and hiked its dividend by 15%.