U.S. stocks jumped on Monday as more merger and acquisition activity in the last days of the third quarter encouraged investors following three sessions of losses.

U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday after data showed July new home sales rose at their fastest pace in almost a year, while durable goods orders increased, but less than forecast excluding transportation.

European and Asian stocks extended last week’s rally on Monday and crude oil marched higher after U.S. economic news and stronger-than-expected data from the euro zone spurred expectations for economic recovery.

Global stocks slid anew on Tuesday as an uptick in German manufacturing orders failed to offset persistent concerns about economic prospects, worries that pushed crude oil down prices to below $63 a barrel.

U.S. stock futures pointed to a flat open on Tuesday after data showed April home prices in 20 U.S. cities declined, but less than expected.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a weak open on Friday with investors set to take profits after a gain of more than 2 percent in the previous session.

Markets were in the dumps yesterday with more broken bones than a wrestling match at the retirement village.  On Wall Street, the thirty blue chip names comprising the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.35%, or 200 points.

How did it get here, and where is it going? What a difference a year makes. While March lions and April showers were at work in 2008, so were these factors in the U.S. and global economies:

U.S. stocks rose on Thursday as investors bet the U.S. economic downturn may be easing following reports on fourth-quarter economic growth and weekly jobless claims that landed roughly in line with expectations.

If you’ve been following this column over the last month, you’ve likely made some money by shorting the Dow Jones Industrial Average.