DOW JONES

Asian markets fell Thursday as concerns over the debt crisis looming over the euro zone increased due to heightened Spanish banking sector woes.

Japan's industrial production gained in April from the previous month but remained below expectation, raising concerns about the country's faltering economic growth momentum.

Iraqi officials on Tuesday said their country's next oil lease auction will not allow companies to sign contracts with Iraq's semi-autonomous northern region of Kurdistan.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a lower opening Wednesday ahead of anticipated reports on the Mortgage Applications Index and Pending Home Sales.

The value of the Canadian dollar gained against most of its rival currencies Tuesday amid strong indications of growth in Asia and North America

European stocks recovered from early losses Tuesday as traders anticipate the U.S. data to show improving consumer confidence and a stabilizing housing market. Meanwhile, Asian equities rallied for a second straight day on hopes that China may introduce further stimulus policy. U.S. index futures rose.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a higher opening Tuesday ahead of the report on consumer confidence for May.

You can't blame investors for feeling a bit squeamish regarding deploying new money in the U.S. stock market these days, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average?s (DJIA) recent slide from 13,300 to 12,450 unnerving even the most experienced institutional investors. Where?s the market headed in the next six months?

U.S. equities closed a moderately green week with a moderately red day on Friday, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 74.92 points, or 0.60 percent, to 12,454.83, the S&P 500 index dropped 2.86 points, or 0.22 percent, to 1,317.82, and the Nasdaq Composite index dipped 1.85 points, or 0.07 percent, to 2,837.53.

The cost of natural gas, which has languished for two years and last month hit lows not seen in a decade, is rebounding despite a 5.5 percent price drop earlier this week.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a higher opening Friday ahead of the Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index and Inflation Expectation survey.

Global stocks eked out gains on Thursday while the euro fell as data suggested Europe's debt woes were spreading and worsening a global economic slowdown.

The common currency was punished overnight as sentiment regarding Greece turned from bad to worse.

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a lower opening Thursday ahead of initial jobless claims and durable orders data.

U.S. stocks cut losses late in Wednesday's trading session, with two key indexes barely squeaking into positive territory on the strength of surging commodities prices and the shares of companies that produce them.

Asian, European and U.S. stocks fell hard Wednesday on rising fears and uncertainty about a possible Greek exit from the euro zone as well as concerns over slowing economic growth.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to a lower opening Wednesday ahead of new home sales data for April and a European Union summit.

Asian stock markets declined Wednesday as renewed concerns of Greece's probable exit from the euro zone dampened sentiment.

Comments regarding a rebound in the Chinese economy from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development lifted stocks earlier Tuesday and kept Asian and European bourses in the green. The comments came after Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said last weekend his government would focus more on growth than inflation.

Brazilian state-owned oil company Petrobras announced Tuesday the company has tens of billions of barrels of oil to be developed from offshore oil fields.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to a slightly lower opening Tuesday ahead of existing home sales data that are expected to show a rise in April sales.