Stocks fluctuated during most of session, but muscled up enough strength to cap off the day in positive territory. Investors were expecting to continue the previous rally, but mixed economic data quickly put a halt to that. Treasury prices rose Thursday afternoon following a strong 30-year bond auction . The news provided a little momentum, but not enough to spark huge advances. A disappointing retail sales report and weak back-to-school data from Wal-Mart (WMT) jolted investors. The Labor Department reported that initial unemployment claims crept up last week. Financial stocks continued to advance. Shares of Bank of America (BAC) rose more than 6% following word that investor John Paulson had bought 168 million shares. U.S. light crude oil for September delivery rose 79 cents to $70.95 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. COMEX gold for December delivery rose $4 to $956.50 an ounce.

Latest Earnings

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (DPS) surprised analysts and reported a much higher-than-expected jump in quarterly profit . The soft-drink and bottling company is developing a track record for boosting its forecasts. Although earnings topped estimates, the company's higher-end noncarbonated drinks continued to suffer as consumers cut back .

Snapple to Face Lawsuit Over 'All Natural' Claim

Department store operator Kohl's Corp. (KSS) lifted its full-year guidance after posting better-than-expected second-quarter earnings . The company boosted margins and raised its profit target for the year despite a 2.3% decline in same-store sales during the second quarter.

The highly anticipated earnings report from Wal-Mart (WMT) was released today. It comes as no surprise that the discount retailer was able to beat Wall Street's expectations on lower same-store sales. The company has definitely performed well during the recession, but it is still facing some consumer challenges .

Wal-Mart? Wal*Mart?? Walmart???

According to Anheuser-Busch InBev recent earnings report, the demand for beer is still dwindling. The beer brewer was able to post a 28% increase in profit during 2Q, but not because of beer sales. The company's cost-cutting strategy is the main factor that contributed to this rise in profits.

There's Cause for Caution on U.S. Earnings

Splashed Across Headlines

Time is almost up for CIT Group inc. (CIT). The U.S. Federal Reserve wants the commercial lender to submit plans to maintain sufficient capital and improve its overall financial condition ASAP. CIT has been trying to restructure and avoid bankruptcy for months now, but the process is taking much longer than regulators expected.

CIT Board Announces Shareholder-Rights Plan

Bank of America (BAC) has initiated a $1B lawsuit to recover cash and loans from troubled Colonial Bancgroup Inc. BofA also asked a federal judge to restrain Colonial from selling certain proceeds it received from Freddie Mac (FRE).

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A) underestimated the risks of falling stock prices to its billions of dollars of derivatives bets, yet still believes it is valuing the contracts fairly.

Buffett: Oops!

The 'cash for clunkers' program is increasing demand at a number of automakers. Ford Motor Co. said that it will produce another 10,000 vehicles to meet the increase spurred by the government incentive program.

Video - Ford Raises Production

Government Tells 'Clunkers' Buyers Not to Sign Waiver

Economy Watch

The economy may be improving in other areas, but retail sales are still suffering. The Commerce Department reported an unexpected decline in July retail sales. Analysts were expecting an increase following the positive data from June.

The number of people filing first-time claims for unemployment rose by 4,000 last week. However, continuing claims fell 141,000 .

Unadjusted Year Over Year : Labor Department Initial Jobless Claims Up 28%

Economic Recovery? Not So Fast, Obama

What shape is the economic recovery in: U, V or W?

Other Juicy Tidbits

Just how much is a rainmaker at a bailed-out bank really worth ? Or a senior executive at a recently bankrupt automaker for that matter?

How will the holidays shape up for Apple (AAPL), Research in Motion (RIMM), and Nokia (NOK)? Will people be unwrapping blackberries and iPods or just IOUS?

Video - Should Citi Be Broken Up?

Three Ways to Predict the End of the Housing Bounce

Have You Been Devastated By The Recession ? It could be your paycheck, or your political party.