U.S. shoppers turned out in strong numbers to hunt for holiday bargains on Black Friday. Many said they were spending selectively, using cash instead of credit cards, and looking for specific deals.

There's a tug of war in the financial markets between investors who believe the economy is on its way to a strong recovery and those who believe a rebound is likely to be slow and bumpy.

Stocks advanced Friday as Disney's earnings beat and JCPenney's outlook helped offset worries about a drop in consumer sentiment. For the week, the Dow gained 2.5 percent, finishing at its highest level since Oct. 2008.

Stocks clawed higher Friday as solid earnings from Disney and JCPenney helped offset worries about a drop in consumer sentiment. It was a wobbly morning but by midday, the  Dow was up more than 100 points, or 1 percent.

Stocks wobbled Friday as investors juggled a drop in consumer confidence against solid earnings from Disney and JCPenney. They started the day higher, then retreated, then made another push higher.

What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for November, Nov. 13.

Thursday's losses notwithstanding, Wall Street's major averages enter the Friday session with a chance to finish off their second consecutive week of gains.

U.S. retailers are expected to post positive October sales results this week, but investors hoping for a clear signal on economic recovery could be in for disappointment.

U.S. retailers are expected to post positive October sales results this week, but investors hoping for a clear signal on economic recovery could be in for disappointment, industry experts said.

Stocks fell for a second day Thursday after the Federal Reserve announced plans to start unwinding some stimulus measures and a report showed existing-home sales fell last month.

Stocks retreated Thursday after the Federal Reserve announced plans to start unwinding some stimulus measures and a report showed existing-home sales fell last month.

An opening pop fizzled Thursday after the Federal Reserve announced plans to start unwinding some stimulus measures and a report showed existing-home sales fell last month. Stocks had opened higher after a report showed an unexpected drop in jobless claims last week.

World stock markets and oil prices slid as worries about the U.S. consumer outlook reined in hopes about the pace of any global recovery — despite news that Japan has climbed out of recession.

Stocks skidded Friday after a disappointing report on consumer prices and as consumers' mood took a turn for the worse. The Dow finished down about 50 points on the week, snapping a four-week winning streak.That snapped the markets four-week winning streak:

Futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street Friday after a report showed consumer prices posted their biggest year-over-year decline since 1950.