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Caterpillar Inc far exceeded analyst expectations on Monday, reporting a 44 percent quarterly earnings increase due to record revenue, and the company signaled optimism in its 2012 outlook.

Stocks rose on Monday, adding to three weeks of gains for the S&P after strong earnings from Caterpillar and some proposed acquisitions boosted investor appetite for risky assets.

Caterpillar Inc far exceeded analyst expectations on Monday, reporting a 44 percent quarterly earnings increase due to record revenue, and the company signaled tempered optimism in its 2012 outlook.

Stocks rose on Monday adding to three weeks of gains for the S&P after strong earnings from Caterpillar and a number of proposed acquisitions boosted investor appetite for risky assets.

Stocks extended their gains on Monday and the Nasdaq rose 1 percent, helped by strength in big-capitalization technology names.

Wall Street was set for a higher open on Monday as strong earnings from Caterpillar offset concerns European policymakers were struggling to narrow differences in tackling the region's debt crisis.

Caterpillar Inc far exceeded analyst expectations on Monday, reporting a 44 percent quarterly earnings increase and record revenue, and signaling tempered optimism in its 2012 sales outlook.

S&P 500 index futures were little changed on Monday as European policymakers differed over the size of sovereign debt losses that private bondholders will have to accept, but strong earnings from Caterpillar put a floor on losses.

- Caterpillar Inc reported a 44 percent quarterly earnings increase and record revenue due to strong demand, far exceeding analyst estimates.

Stock index futures edged lower on Monday after the S&P 500 posted its third straight week of gains as investors had doubts European policymakers would come up with an agreement to fix the region's debt crisis.

The companies that are expected to see active trade on Monday are: Caterpillar, Amgen, Invesco, Texas Instruments, Netflix, Eaton, Kimberly Clark, Masco, VF and Zions Bancorporation.

Prospects for corporate earnings are appearing comparatively dimmer in the coming quarters -- even though reports so far this quarter have been looking relatively bright.

General Electric Co reported earnings that met Wall Street expectations, but its shares slipped 1.4 percent as investors worried about declining profit margins at its energy equipment division.

From its May 2011 high, the index is down about 19 percent, very close to the 20 percent decline required for a bear market.

This past quarter was miserable for bullish U.S. stock investors. The bad news is, things may get worse before they get better.

THE ISSUE: The S&P Indices/Case Shiller recorded a fourth consecutive month of increases. Existing home sales jumped in the latest report. Low-rate mortgages have boosted affordability measures. Is it time for investors to start looking for real estate?

An article published on Sept. 9 identified a specific viral gene that drives infected caterpillars to die in a way that offers the best potential for spreading the virus that killed it, scientists say.

Caterpillar Inc is struggling to add skilled workers in its manufacturing operations despite high U.S. unemployment levels that have forced President Barack Obama to take extraordinary measures, the company's chief executive said on Friday.

Coined as the world's first true amphibious coach, the Terra Wind RV has been created by Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International LLC (C.A.M.I.) owners, John and Julie Giljam.

Stocks rose for a third straight day on Tuesday in a volatile session, after minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting boosted expectations the U.S. central bank will act again to stimulate the economy.

China Citic Bank Corp Ltd plans to sell up to $4.7 billion in offshore yuan-denominated bonds by 2013, indicating that issuers are lining up to sell debt in the territory after the authorities unveiled fresh reforms this month.

Caterpillar Inc said growth in dealer sales of its heavy equipment slowed in the three months ended July, particularly in North America, reinforcing concerns about the struggling U.S. economy.

The details are sketchy about President Barack Obama's September jobs speech, but one thing is certain: as economic manager, Obama must increase job growth substantially in the next nine months to help the millions of Americans who are unemployed find jobs, to strengthen the economy, and to save his presidency.

After a week of gyrations that's seen the Dow Jones Industrial Average rise or fall 400 points for four straight days, it's understandable if U.S. investors are bewildered. Given the tumult, what stance should investors adopt now?

Traders appear to be focusing on the European debt crisis, which is reaching emergency levels.

16.6 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 to 24 are unemployed

Wall Street skidded on Wednesday as troubling signs from U.S. corporations and falling demand for long-lasting manufactured goods discouraged investors already nervous about faltering debt talks in Washington.

Much of the United States may be frying in near-record temperatures but Wall Street has been feeling the heat for months. Wrangling over the debt ceiling has kept markets on edge, and investors are still waiting for a breakthrough that leads to a deal to avoid a devastating default.

Heavy machinery maker Caterpillar Inc disappointed Wall Street with a second-quarter earnings miss on Friday, hurt by higher costs, and its shares fell nearly 6 percent, dragging down the U.S. stock market.