AP - Stocks closed mostly higher Friday, sending the Dow Jones industrials' to their best week in four years after a surprise jump in home sales eased concern that frailty in the housing market will hurt economic growth.

Reuters - U.S. blue chips inched up on Friday, capping a rally in which the S&P 500 logged its biggest weekly gain since 2003 on speculation that the Federal Reserve's next move will be an interest rate cut.

AP - Stocks opened quietly Friday, trading mostly flat as investors awaited a report on home sales that could indicate whether Wall Street's somewhat less-pessimistic view of the sector is warranted.

AFP - European stock markets mostly fell after a mixed overnight showing in New York, but London was boosted by gains by oil majors, dealers said Friday.

AP - Japanese stocks rose Friday for a fourth straight session, climbing to their highest in nearly a month, led by autos, banking and oil issues.

AP - Blackstone Group LP, one of the world's biggest private equity firms, on Thursday said it seeks to raise up to $4 billion in a highly anticipated initial public offering. The New York-based firm, known for multibillion dollar takeovers such as February's buyout of Equity Office Properties, announced its intentions to go public in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange.

AP - Blackstone Group LP, one of the world's biggest private equity firms, on Thursday said it seeks to raise up to $4 billion in a highly anticipated initial public offering. The New York-based firm, known for multibillion dollar takeovers such as February's buyout of Equity Office Properties, announced its intentions to go public in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange.