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European economic data released on Friday topped analyst expectations, giving a boost to the region's stock markets.

Since Apple introduced the first iPhone in June 2007, one question has dominated the conversation: When's the next one coming out? While Apple keeps its lips sealed until the official unveiling, there are plenty of reasons why consumers shouldn't expect a new iPhone to debut in two to three months. The iPhone 5 is coming, but it's coming in October. Here are five reasons why:

A strong solar storm could cause devastating consequences for the planet, researchers said. Earth needs to better prepare for an event that could knock out power and GPS satellites, possibly for months.

Amid the Samsung and Apple flagship model's launch buzz drifting to new levels in the mobile space every single day, tech enthusiasts might not be able to ignore this combined piece of news about the three powerful launches which are heading for the US release very soon. Yes, the spill is about the latest announcement by two major smartphone manufacturers, including HTC and Huawei.

The upcoming “Call of Duty” release is shaping up to be a sequel to 2010’s “Black Ops.” A retail source forwarded an image to gaming news source Kotaku, with a date of May 2nd 2012 sprawled across the supposed “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” poster.

The ending to Mass Effect 3, which in the eyes of many gamers failed to provide an acceptable conclusion to the Mass Effect space epic trilogy, has had gamers up in arms for months while Bioware's parent company Electronic Arts (EA) has done its best to appease its consumer base without admitting any sort of fault. However, it looks like the Retake Mass Effect movement may finally get through to EA. Best Buy and Amazon recently slashed the game's price tag from $59....

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) is expected to report highly disappointing financial results Thursday morning, a development that -- as has been the case in the past -- will provide plenty of schadenfreude to the company's vociferous and numerous critics.

U.S. stocks soared Tuesday on good corporate earnings, falling Spanish interest rates and an International Monetary Fund forecast for strong economic growth in the United States.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday called on Congress to pass a series of measures that would help limit what he called speculation that's driving up the price of oil and gasoline.

Microsoft announced Monday it will sell three versions of Windows 8 for Intel computers. Two retail editions of Windows 8 will be sold for x86 and x64 PCs. The third edition will be an OEM-only version that's only available for ARM-based PCs and tablets.

After the release of much-awaited iPad in March, Apple lovers are waiting for the launch of Mini iPad. Can this mini iPad give hard competition to Amazon's Kindle Fire, Windows 8 Tablets, Samsung Galaxy tabs and Barnes and Nook's Noble tablets? The Apple mini is expected to sport Retina display, iOS 6 and 3G connectivity.

Asian stock markets declined for the second day Tuesday despite better-than-expected US retail sales data as concerns over Europe's debt crisis continued to weigh.

A month after Apple started selling its 4G-ready third generation iPad in 10 countries, including the US, 12 new countries have been added to the list, with 9 more to follow next week.

The Dow rose on Monday as robust U.S. retail sales data helped large-cap consumer stocks, but a 4 percent slide in Apple hurt the Nasdaq.

Americans shrugged off high gasoline prices in March and spent more strongly than expected, suggesting economic growth in the first quarter was probably not as weak as many had feared.

Stocks rose on Monday on better-than-expected retail sales, but concerns about Spain's rising bond yields kept gains in check and a slide in Apple pushed the Nasdaq lower.

Retail sales showed unexpected vigor in March as Americans shrugged off high gasoline prices and bought a range of goods, suggesting economic growth in the first quarter was probably not as weak as many had feared.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is expected to report stronger first-quarter profit as the world's largest soft-drink maker tries to offset higher commodity prices by undertaking a new cost-cutting program and continuing to target emerging market growth.

Wall Street was poised for a higher open on Monday after the worst weekly drop for the S&P 500 this year as retail sales in March and Citigroup earnings topped expectations.

U.S. retail sales rose solidly in March as Americans shrugged off high gasoline prices and bought a range of goods, implying that economic growth in the first quarter was probably not as weak as many had feared.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose sharply for the third straight month in March, as Americans continued to weather the hike in gasoline prices and splurged on buying new cars and renovating their homes.