GERMANY

Manager Brendan Rodgers will likely have a hefty war chest at his disposal, with some reports indicating a budget between £50 to £60 million and Merseyside appears keen on strengthening nearly every position.

Russia's currency was downgraded Friday by S&P, and the rating may sink lower if further sanctions are imposed.

Merkel added that the EU and G-7 nations would consider part two of a potentially three-stage sanction punishment process.

President Barack Obama said he will press European allies to impose more sanctions if Russia steps up action in Ukraine.

Earnings and external factors such as developments in Ukraine should influence markets Friday.

Markets should be influenced by more big-ticket earnings announcements scheduled for the day.

Ongoing manufacturing expansions in the U.S. and Europe will help allay concerns that the global economy is slowing.

Both the manufacturing and services sector grew more than expected in April.

Quarterly earnings announcements from big players in retail, aviation and technology should help guide investors.

New DNA analysis of Neanderthal genomes shows that the human ancestors had a shallow gene pool.

The Detroit automaker will see profits slammed by charges stemming from global recall, S. American currency troubles and Europe restructuring.

Earnings are expected to continue to influence market direction.

Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov urged U.S. Secretary of State Kerry to "influence Kiev, not let hotheads there provoke a bloody conflict."

David Moyes and Manchester United are reportedly considering several options on the transfer market this summer, particularly along midfield and backline.

Mini sensors would detect the surrounding air composition in the home, office or car, with possible smartphone apps.

European oil giants led the way against tougher sanctions on Russia, where they operate several projects.

Ahead of the long weekend, data on jobless claims and a packed earnings calendar should influence markets.

A Switzerland national referendum would raise the minimum wage to $24.99 an hour, but local firms like Nestle say voters should reject it.

Defending their title from last year and eyeing a 17th DFB-Pokal trophy, Bayern Munich earned the right to next face rival Borussia Dortmund in the finals.

NATO underscored that the deployment is a contingency plan to defend members, not Ukraine, which is not a member.

Manchester United appear to be accelerating their efforts to overhaul their squad this summer, with progress being made on several fronts.