Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Wall Street on Friday, with futures for the S&P 500 down 0.21 percent, Dow Jones futures down 0.17 percent and Nasdaq100 futures flat at 0725 GMT (3:25 a.m. ET).

AP - World stock markets climbed as investors took heart from a slight improvement in U.S. economic indicators ahead of a crucial employment report due later Friday.

Japan’s currency keeps rising, making it a haven from US economic woes and creating bargains for investors. Here are 3 stocks to consider buying in the fall.

AP - ANOTHER LIFT: Stocks gained again on Thursday, though not as much as the day before, on the latest hopeful indicators on the economy.

AP - Stocks rose Thursday, extending their gains from the day before, after reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs all indicated that the economy continues to grow. Trading was somewhat muted ahead of the government’s closely watched monthly report on employment due out Friday.

AP - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday that while the fight against corruption must be led by Afghans, the U.S. is working on new ways to prevent millions of American dollars flowing into the nation from underwriting bribery and graft.

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

AP - Stocks rose Thursday, extending their gains from the day before, after reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs all indicated that the economy continues to grow.

AP - The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into certain types of stock trade orders that could be distorting share prices and trading volume, according to The Wall Street Journal.

AFP - European stock markets slid on Thursday as investors took profits from recent gains amid caution before the latest interest rate decision from the European Central Bank.