Over the last year it's become abundantly clear that the stock market can devastate even seemingly healthy retirement accounts. Even so, with the guaranteed income of traditional pensions disappearing, most investors have little choice.

Principal Financial Group Inc. said Monday net profit rose for the third quarter to the best result in two years as it saw investment losses improve.

Stocks rallied to their highest closes since November Monday following encouraging economic reports from the U.S. and abroad and following news that auto sales got a boost from the "Cash for Clunkers" program.

Stocks rallied Monday after a pair of encouraging reports on the manufacturing sector, plus strong bank earnings out of Europe and expectations for strong auto sales. The S&P briefly topped 1,000, a level it hasn't seen since November.

Stocks got a quick pop at the open Monday after some strong bank earnings out of Europe and expectations that auto sales will show a boost from the "Cash for Clunkers" program. But the rally quickly fizzled.

Stock index futures indicated a strong opening for Wall Street Monday, helped by European markets that hit a broader-index high for the year on better-than-expected bank earnings.

The federal government has agreed to extend billions in bailout funds to six major life insurers, helping them shore up their capital positions after major investment losses.

Stocks flopped Friday, capping a dismal week, as bank stocks pulled back after recent gains.

Stocks opened flat Friday as investors were encouraged by a pair of better-than-expected manufacturing readings but dismal economic data out of Europe and weak U.S. retail reports capped gains.

Futures pared losses Friday after a pair of better-than-expected manufacturing readings.