Most Asian stocks rise on improving US data (AP)  

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, August 31, 2010. REUTERS/Brendan McDermidAP - Most Asian stock markets climbed Friday as investors took heart from improving U.S. housing and jobs data amid lingering worries over the pace of the global economic recovery.
Stocks move higher following jobs, housing reports (AP)  

In this Sept. 1, 2010 photo, traders and specialists work the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, in New York. (AP Photo/David Karp)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.
Stocks rise on economic hopes ahead of payrolls (Reuters)  

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, August 31, 2010. REUTERS/Brendan McDermidReuters - Stocks rose on low volume on Thursday as data showed improvement in housing and the job market a day ahead of the critical monthly payrolls figures.
Summary Box: Stocks extend gains on economic news (AP)  
AP - ANOTHER LIFT: Stocks gained again on Thursday, though not as much as the day before, on the latest hopeful indicators on the economy.
How the major stock indexes fared Thursday (AP)  
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.

Traders at the New York Stock Exchange on August 31. Asian and European stocks were rising, lifted by bargain-hunting and upbeat data, as dealers set aside Wall Street's worst August performance in nine years amid stubborn US recovery doubts.(AFP/Getty Images/Spencer Platt)Reuters - U.S. regulators probing the May flash crash are focusing on a trading practice known as "quote stuffing", in which large numbers of rapid-fire orders to buy or sell stocks are placed and canceled almost immediately.
US Def Sec: Afghans should lead corruption fight (AP)  

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, is greeted by top NATO commander Gen. David Petraeus as he arrives in Kabul, Afghanistan on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Jim Watson, Pool)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.
A look at economic developments around the globe (AP)  
AP - A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Thursday:
Report: SEC Investigating canceled trades (AP)  
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.
European stocks drop before ECB rate call (AFP)  

File photo of a trader at the Frankfurt stock exchange. 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.(AFP/DDP/File/Martin Oeser)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.