Investors are finding more reason to hopeful about the economy. In a welcome surprise Thursday, the government said initial jobless claims fell last week. Economists had predicted an increase.

Wall Street extended its rally into a third straight session as investors took in stride a cut in General Electric Co.‘s credit rating.

The dawn of the Obama presidency was not enough to shake Wall Street from its dejection over the banking industry’s growing problems.

Wall Street hit levels not seen since 2003, with the Dow Jones industrial average falling below the 8,000 mark, as the fate of Detroit’s Big Three automakers and the economy disheartened investors.

It’s been another astounding day on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones industrials soaring nearly 900 points as investors scooped up stocks that were pounded lower in recent sessions.

The latest from Wall Street… the Dow clawed most of the way back, Tuesday, from it’s record 777 point loss on Monday. The Dow average closed up 485 points, Tuesday. It could have been because bargain hunting…or optimism over a new bailout bill. Gigi Stone has the latest.