Bullish Blog

AP - World stock markets rose strongly Monday amid mounting hopes that European countries will announce some rescue deal for Greece and the release of a raft of fairly upbeat manufacturing surveys.

Reuters - Payrolls could give the U.S. stock market some direction this week as investors comb through the key report on one of the economy’s weakest areas.

AP - ADDED SIGNIFICANCE: Investors will look to the monthly jobs report for clearer signs on the direction of the economy after a string of mixed economic data and ongoing concerns about Europe.

AP - Investors are seeking direction. Friday’s report on employment could give them exactly what they want.

Reuters - Prudential’s bid to buy American International Group’s Asian life unit is a bet against Asian stock markets as falling share prices across the region would make the alternative of listing the business in Hong Kong less attractive.

Reuters - Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc said fourth-quarter profit surged, helped by derivatives bets tied to global stock markets, though operating profit fell 40 percent as the weakened economy weighed on several businesses.

Reuters - Payrolls could give the U.S. stock market some direction next week as investors comb through the key report on one of the economy’s weakest areas.

The Fed has made it clear: Rates are going up. There’s no rush, but here are the portfolio moves you should make in gold, bonds and stocks.

Ben Bernanke can talk tough, but the economy would sputter if the cash stopped flowing. Also: The inflation or stagflation that’s probably in our future.

AP - Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market: