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McDonald's Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as new menu items and renovations helped lift sales at established restaurants around the world in September, and its shares rose nearly 3 percent.

McDonald's Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as new menu items and renovations helped lift sales at established restaurants around the world in September, and its shares rose nearly 3 percent.

Stock indexes rose at the open on Friday ahead of a European Union debt-crisis summit on the weekend that could go some way in removing one of the biggest overhangs for markets and allow investors to focus on corporate results.

The U.S. stock market opened sharply higher Friday on hopes of a Eurozone bailout.

Android currently enjoys almost half of the global Smartphone market, versus 19 percent for Apple.

Stock indexes rose at the open on Friday ahead of a European Union debt-crisis summit on the weekend that could go some way in removing one of the biggest overhangs for markets and allow investors to focus on corporate results.

German business sentiment slid for the fourth month in a row in October, dipping to its lowest level since mid-2010 and compounding fears the euro zone debt crisis could push Europe back into recession if a solution is not found soon.

Wall Street stocks were set to open higher on Friday ahead of a European Union debt-crisis summit on the weekend that could go some way in removing one of the biggest overhangs for markets and allow investors to focus on corporate results.

Stock index futures rose on Friday ahead of a European Union debt-crisis summit on the weekend that could go some way in removing one of the biggest overhangs for markets and allow investors to focus on earnings.

Apple spends at least $188 in component costs to make each of iPhone 4S, according to consultancy and research firm IHS iSuppli.

Stock index futures edged higher on Friday ahead of a much anticipated European Union weekend summit on the region's debt crisis and as results from General Electric Co did little to undermine hopes for a robust earnings season.

European leaders have put off crucial decisions on how to stop a sovereign debt meltdown in their currency zone, keeping markets on edge, to give German Chancellor Angela Merkel time to secure parliamentary support, EU sources said on Friday.

U.S. stock futures point to a higher opening Friday on hopes that European leaders will come out with a grand plan to fight the region's debt crisis.

Standard & Poor's will likely lower the credit standing of five European nations, including top-rated France, by one or two notches if the region slips into recession and government borrowings increase, the rating agency said in a report.

Stocks bounced on Friday after France and Germany said a comprehensive euro zone debt deal was on its way, if a little late, although a weaker euro and rising bund futures suggested not everyone was convinced.

Stocks bounced on Friday after France and Germany said a comprehensive euro zone debt deal was on its way, if a little late, although a weaker euro and rising bund futures suggested not everyone was convinced.

Asian shares inched up while the euro clung to overnight gains on Friday, but markets largely stayed within range, as investors awaited a weekend meeting of European leaders for signs of progress in resolving the region's debt crisis.

Stocks ended with modest gains on Thursday, shifting back and forth on incremental developments in Europe where leaders sought to reassure investors that a solution to the debt crisis would come soon.

Jim O'Neill, chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, is optimistic about the U.S. economy, according an interview he had with CNBC TV.

The Dow and S&P 500 rose slightly on Thursday after a joint statement by France and Germany eased some jitters about resolving the European debt crisis.

Stocks fell on Thursday as investors struggled with uncertainty surrounding the upcoming European summit on the debt crisis and sought direction from corporate earnings.