Equity markets rose sharply on Monday as investors looked to position themselves ahead of third quarter corporate earnings. In economic news, ISM Manufacturing fell to 52.0 in September, below consensus of 52.6. In corporate news, Acxiom Corp. (ACXM) fell 19.71% on news private equity bidders ValueAct and Silver Lake have broken off their proposed $2.25 billion acquisition of the data management company. Light crude oil deliverable in November fell $1.48, to $80.18 per barrel. The DJIA gained 1.39%, while the Nasdaq rose 1.46%.

On Tuesday equity markets finished mixed as investors assessed the strength of the U.S. consumer. Several M&A deals in the Financial sector and pending homes sales provided fodder for investors to chew on. In corporate news, AmeriSourceBergen Corp. (ABC) rose 1.05% after the company won $2.4 billion in five separate contracts with the U.S. Defense Department to provide pharmaceuticals to the U.S. military services and the Coast Guard. Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) announced it would acquire Commerce Bancorp (CBH) for $8.5 billion in cash and stock, or approximately $42.37 per share. CBH fell 0.35% while TD fell 5.58%. Light crude oil deliverable in November was relatively unchanged, finishing at $80.23 per barrel. The DJIA lost 0.29%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.22%.

Stocks slipped on Wednesday ahead of a key jobs report later in the week. In economic news, ISM Non-Manufacturing rose to 54.8 in September, below consensus of 54.6. In corporate news, RPM International Inc (RPM) fell 3.05% after the company reported first quarter EPS of $0.53 on revenue of $930 million versus consensus of $0.55 and $919.03 million, respectively. Light crude oil deliverable in November fell $0.15, to $80.08 per barrel. The DJIA fell 0.56%, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.64%.

Equity markets were little changed on Thursday in a quiet trading session, as investors balanced hopes for economic strength with a continued desire for more Fed rate cuts. In economic news, initial jobless claims for the week ended September 29 rose by 16,000, to 317,000 versus consensus of 310,000. In corporate news, Dresser-Rand Group Inc. (DRC) fell 10.30%, after the company said its third quarter results will be hurt by a strike in its Painted Post facility, along with a slower-than-anticipated recovery in aftermarket sales. Light crude oil deliverable in November rose $1.36, to $81.44 per barrel. The DJIA rose 0.04%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.15%.

On Friday U.S. stocks moved higher across the board following positive economic data points. In corporate news, Research In Motion (RIMM) rose 12.76% after the company reported fiscal second quarter (ended August) EPS of $0.50 on revenue of $1.37 billion versus consensus of $0.50 and $1.38 billion, respectively. The company forecast fiscal third quarter EPS of $0.59–$0.63 on revenues of $1.60–$1.67 billion versus consensus of $0.56 and $1.55 billion, respectively. Light crude oil deliverable in November fell $0.25, to $81.19 per barrel. The DJIA rose 0.66%, while the Nasdaq gained 1.71%.

Equity markets finished in positive territory as investors welcomed positive economic data points that indicated the economy may be stronger than expected. For the week, the DJIA, S&P, and Nasdaq rose 1.23%, 2.01%, and 2.92%, respectively.