U.S. stocks zoom on Citigroup, Google earnings results

Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:06:03 (GMT)
U.S. stocks zoom on Citigroup, Google earnings results

U.S. stocks rally, putting the market on track for strong weekly gains,
as investors cheer Citigroup write-downs and Google earnings.

Citigroup posts big loss on some $12 billion in write-downs

Citigroup posts a $5.1 billion loss for the first quarter as a result of
writing down about $12 billion in soured mortgage investments and other
credit-related items.

Google gets big lift as market cheers report

Google Inc. shares surge 20% a day after the Internet-search company
posts a 31% jump in first-quarter profit and dispels many concerns about
growth in its advertising business.

Emerging Markets Report: Plan to revitalize

Mexico's oil industry faces clock, protests
Heated debate among Mexico's lawmakers about whether to open the door
to foreign oil companies has stalled legislation aimed at reviving the
flagging fortunes of state-run Petroleos de Mexico, the world's
third-largest oil producer.

Caterpillar net climbs 13% despite weakness in N. America

Caterpillar Inc. says strong demand outside North America powered the
bulldozer giant to a 13% jump in quarterly profit Friday, adding to
bullish sentiment in the broad market.