Bullish Blog

AP - American Airlines’ parent company, which filed for bankruptcy protection last month, said Thursday that its stock will be dropped from the New York Stock Exchange.

AP - A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Thursday:

AP - STOCKS UP: The Dow Jones industrial average rose 135 points. The S&P 500 rose 13 points and is now up 5 points for the year. Stocks rose on better news on the job market and home sales.

AP - Better news on the job market and home sales sent stocks higher on Wall Street. The four-week average of unemployment claims fell to a three-and-a-half-year low, an indication that hiring could pick up. Also, the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes in November rose more than 7 percent to the highest level in a year and a half.

Reuters - Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with a long-awaited plan to open up its stock market to foreigners and is now hoping to formalize its rules by January 15, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

AP - Better news on home sales and improved prospects for job growth sent stocks higher on Wall Street Thursday.

Reuters - U.S. stocks rallied on Thursday, moving the S&P 500 back in positive territory for 2011 ahead of the last trading day of the year, on more positive signals on the U.S. economy.

AP - Asian stock markets were mostly lower Thursday as traders shied away from riskier assets as the year drew to a close, but hopes for a successful bond issue in Italy boosted shares in Europe.

Reuters - Asian stocks slipped on Thursday on weakness in the U.S. and European share markets and caution ahead of an Italian debt sale, though year-end window dressing of portfolios by some traders helped trim losses.

AP - Stocks weakened Wednesday, ending a five-day advance in the S&P 500 index, as new signs of strain emerged in the European banking system. The euro fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly a year and Treasurys rallied.