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Stocks rallied for second consecutive day following upbeat economic reports that revived hopes of a stronger U.S. economy and news the European Central Bank was buying euro zone debt. Home Depot and Alcoa rose, while Kraft fell.

Stocks continued their December rally Thursday, led by banks and homebuilders, following a handful of positive economic reports that revived hopes of a stronger U.S. economy and news the European Central Bank was buying euro zone debt.  Home Depot and Alcoa rose, while Cisco fell.

Stocks gained after a surprisingly upbeat report from the housing market and as a stream of stronger-than-expected retail sales reports signaled a bright start to the holiday season. Bank of America and Home Depot rose.

U.S. futures fluctuated after a unexpected rise jobless claims, and news that the European Central Bank would not be increasing its government bond purchases. But the market gained some support from stronger-than-expected retail sales reports. . 

What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Stocks declined, but ended significantly off session lows, as financials gained and the dollar slipped, although investors remained concerned about the effectiveness of Europe's attempt to contain sovereign debt troubles.  HP and Home Depot fell, while AmEx and BofA rose.

Stocks came back from session lows as financials gained, although the market remained lower amid continuing fears about Europe's ability to harness a credit crisis despite a weekend bailout agreement for Ireland. HP and Home Depot fell, while AmEx and BofA rose.

Stocks sank Monday as a strong start to the December holiday shopping season failed to counter investor concerns about the wider implications of debt burdens throughout Europe even as a final agreement was reached on Ireland's bailout fund. HP and Boeing slumped, while Bank of America rose.

Stocks clawed back, but still ended mixed, as techs and retailers rose in the final half hour of trading and the market continued to digest a potential insider trader scandal as well as a lack of clarity over the direction of financially troubled European countries. BofA and JPMorgan fell, while HP rose.

Stocks pared losses Monday afternoon as techs and retailers rose in the final half hour of trading as the market continued to digest a potential insider trader scandal as well as a lack of clarity over the direction of financially troubled European countries. BofA and JPMorgan fell, while HP rose.

Stocks slumped as a lack of positive news failed to counter worries about Europe's efforts to address debt problems in Ireland as well as other periphery euro zone countries. Bank of America and JP Morgan fell, HP rose.

Stocks fell in the last few minutes of trading Monday to close mixed despite being higher most of the day after an upbeat retail sales report, and news that firms were beginning to spend cash on acquisitions. Caterpillar rose, Disney fell.

Stocks fell on Monday as investors recouped from last week's selloff to focus on an upbeat retail sales report, and news that firms were beginning to spend cash on acquisitions. Caterpillar rose, Disney fell.

Stocks gained amid news of strong retail sales in October and acquisitions by Caterpillar and EMC, and despite continuing worries over debt troubles in periphery European countries. Caterpillar rose, while Disney fell.

Stocks surged to two-year highs on Thursday as all the major indexes rose beyond their closing highs for the year in the wake of the Federal Reserve's decision to buy $600 billion in Treasury bonds to boost the economy and news that President Obama said he was open to extending the Bush-era tax cuts to all income levels. JPMorgan and BofA gained.

Stocks continued to soar to new highs for the year Thursday, with banks getting a boost from news the Fed will allow "healthy" institutions to raise their dividends. BofA and JPM gain.