NEW YORK (Reuters) - Williams-Sonoma Inc <WSM.N> <WSM.N> posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit and raised its full-year outlook on Thursday as the home-goods retailer's cost-cutting and merchandising efforts bore fruit.

Stocks finished near session lows Wednesday as rising bond yields on government debt raised concern that borrowing costs are going to start going up and tamp down the economic recovery.

Stocks got a quick pop Wednesday after a report showed existing-home sales rose in April  but quickly retreated as the previous day's optimism faded and GM stirred anxiety in the market. But tech stocks gained, sending the Nasdaq into positive territory.

Stocks got a quick pop Wednesday after a report showed existing-home sales rose in April  but quickly retreated as the previous day's optimism faded and GM stirred anxiety in the market. But tech stocks gained, sending the Nasdaq into positive territory.

Futures pared earlier gains Wednesday to indicate a mixed open for Wall Street as optimism from the previous day's consumer confidence data dwindled and was replaced by anxiety about what looks like certain bankruptcy for General Motors.