Steady job growth boosts US consumer confidence despite economy's slowdown

WASHINGTON – Strong job growth lifted U.S. consumer confidence this month, as Americans looked past the economy's dismal first quarter performance.

Stocks turn higher after 2 days of declines

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks turned higher on Wall Street Friday, reversing an early loss. The advance halted two days of sharp declines caused by concern that political wrangling in Washington could push the U.S. economy back into recession.

U.S. Stocks Decline

NEW YORK—U.S. stocks fell after a weak reading on U.S. consumer confidence trumped early enthusiasm for a European Union pact to tighten fiscal ties.