Mizuho Financial Group's first profit in five quarters and rival Sumitomo Mitsui Group's doubling of profit signal Japan's major banks are recovering from the economic crisis, albeit slowly.

Stocks eked out a gain after a rocky session Friday as investors weighed some encouraging economic reports against gloomy earnings.

Stocks had a wobbly start to the morning Friday as investors weighed some encouraging economic reports against gloomy earnings.

Stocks pared their losses Friday after economic reports showed consumer confidence soared to its highest level since before the fall downturn began and that manufacturing is showing signs of improvement.

Futures indicated a slightly higher open for U.S. stocks Friday as investors shrugged off Chrysler's bankruptcy announcement and decided to go against the 'sell in May and go away' mantra after April's successful performance.