1.   Australian stocks rose, led by banks, such as Westpac Banking Corp., amid optimism they are the most likely to deliver continued earnings growth.

2.   Brazilian stocks rose for a third consecutive day on optimism that the government is proceeding with plans to sell state-controlled telecommunication assets.

3.   FRENCH stocks rose, buoyed by a rising dollar, amid optimism the economic policies of the newly elected Socialist government will boost retail sales.

4.   Illinois stocks rose for the first time in three days, led by telemarketing company APAC Teleservices Inc., software company Enterprise Systems Inc. and telecommunications firm Teltrend Inc.

5.   In Europe earlier today, U.S. stocks rose.

6.   In TOKYO, stocks rose to a three-week high amid optimism interest rates will stay at record lows for the time being.

7.   In TOKYO, Japanese stocks rose for a second day, led by banks, on optimism their alliances with foreign counterparts will give them a competitive edge.

8.   Japanese stocks rose for a second day, led by banks, on optimism their alliances with foreign counterparts will give them a competitive edge.

9.   Japanese stocks rose and bonds fell for a sixth day as political and government officials suggested the government will take action to revive the economy.

10.   Japanese stocks rose, led by bank shares, amid optimism that the Diet will pass a stalled budget bill.