The backlash from an horrific Christmas season for US retailers has begun with an online toy seller filing for bankruptcy protection and more stores expected to do the same.

US stocks ended a back-and-forth session with a modest advance today as a sharp drop in oil prices helped counter renewed concerns about the strength of the economy.

US stocks retreated today as Wall Street took a breather from this week's recent rally, sobered a bit by mixed earnings reports, a tumbling dollar and surging oil prices.

US stocks ended a quiet session today with a moderate gain on strong earnings news and a decline in the trade deficit.

US investors cheered by falling oil prices and improving jobs prospects sent stocks higher today, hoping that the news signals a renewal of economic strength and a fall rally in stocks.