Economy, Stock Market | featured news

Latest signs spur caution optimism. Stock market rising; Americans paying off debt.

Without a boost from Washington or data showing budding strength in the economy, Wall Street's rally may be running out of fuel as the S&P 500 eases off its 2010 high.

Stocks rallied Wednesday as investors continue to anticipate more stimulus measures from the Federal Reserve.

Dow plummets nearly 220 points after trade deficit unexpectedly widens and reports from Asia, Europe spurs concerns recovery is veering off track.

Report shows that, so far, China's economy has not been hurt by Europe's debt problems.

Stocks tumbled Friday after the Labor Department said hiring remains weak and Hungary became the latest European country to report its economy is in crisis.

The stock market rebounded Wednesday after a stronger-than-expected increase in pending home sales restored investors' optimism about the economy.

The stock market tumbled again Thursday after another drop in the euro and disappointing U.S. employment news darkened investors already bleak view of the world economy. Interest rates fell sharply in the Treasury market as investors once again sought the safety of U.S. government debt.

The stock market continued its advance of the past month after the Fed said it would keep interest rates low to revive the economy.