Stocks struggled Wednesday as investors took a breather after a two-day rally and braced for the start of earnings season. But banks and techs giane.d

Stocks slipped Wednesday as investors took a breather after a two-day rally and braced for the start of earnings season.

Costco Wholesale Corp. said its fourth-quarter profit fell 6 percent, partly on the stronger dollar and increased employee benefit costs, but results beat analysts' estimates.

Wall Street momentum has clearly shifted back in the direction of the bulls. After falling for seven of eight sessions, the major averages have now risen for two consecutive days, with the Dow chalking up its biggest one-day advance since August 21. 

Most economists think the recession is over, but they say the jobless rate will keep rising until at least next summer as the economy struggles.

Stocks snapped their four-day losing streak Thursday as bank, gold and retail stocks shares advanced.

Major indexes pushed higher Thursday as bank and gold shares advanced. But gains were modest as investors were disappointed that the service sector didn't move into expansion mode.

Major indexes pushed higher Thursday as bank and gold shares advanced. But gains were modest as investors were disappointed that the service sector didn't move into expansion mode.

Shoppers limited their back-to-school purchases and stayed focused on necessities in August, resulting in the 12th straight month of declining sales for retailers.

Stocks were poised for a positive open amid a rough week, though futures sold off just a bit after the weekly jobless claims report showed that employment remains a sticking point for the economic recovery.

Retailers reported disappointing sales in July, a sign that consumers are continuing to watch their spending carefully and hunting for the best bargains.

Shoppers remained tight-fisted in July, raising concern about the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons as well as for the broader economic recovery.

Merchants across the nation have spent years unsuccessfully fighting interchange fees, which generates an estimated $40 billion to $50 billion in income annually for banks that issue credit cards. But after Congress passed a law last month to protect consumers from excessive fees and interest on credit cards, merchants are mounting a fresh offensive.

Stocks squeaked out another gain Thursday as investors were encouraged by Alcoa's beat and a drop in jobless claims but pharmaceutical and retail stocks dragged.

Stocks opened higher Thursday as jobless claims dropped below a key level and Dow component Alcoa kicked off earnings season with a beat.