The Dow Jones industrial average is coming off its best week since March after reports from some big companies injected fresh hope in the market that the economy could be recovering.
The better-than-expected profits and forecasts pumped up the stock market after a monthlong slide when investors detected few new signals that the economy was improving.
But analysts remain cautious and are hoping the good news won't fade.
Corporate heavyweights reporting this week should sharpen investors' view of the economy. Reports on the April-June quarter are expected from American Express, Boeing, Caterpillar and drug maker Merck. Key consumer companies Amazon.com, Apple, Coca-Cola, eBay, PepsiCo and Starbucks are also due to report.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke makes his semiannual report to Congress Tuesday and Wednesday.
%@AP Links
Sound: 4:32 aed