1. Behold the Green Shoots!It's a good day to be an optimist. A couple of datapoints out this morning surprised to the upside by a significant margin. First the Institute of Supply Managements' factory index rose to 55.7 exceeding even the most optimistic economists' forecast according to Bloomberg. Readings above 50 are considered to show "expansion."  Second the number of contracts to purchase existing homes rose for an eight-straight month probably boosted as the deadline for a first-time home-buyer tax credit approaches. In all likelihood the tax credit will be extended. For more color on the housing "recovery " ...

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Monday’s session are Ethan Allen, Amerigroup, Corning, FairPoint, ING, Marvell Technology, McGraw-Hill, Nyer, RadioShack and Yahoo.

If you step foot into my apartment back in the US you might get the impression that I’m a major shareholder in Pier 1 Imports (PIR). Each room is decked out in Pier 1 furniture and decorations: the wall hangings my bed frame my dishes -- all Pier 1. But I’m not a major shareholder. In fact I’ve never owned any piece of the furniture retailer. That’s because there’s a distinct difference between brand and operational structure. From a consumer standpoint I obviously really like the products. It’s classic yet modern style and moderate pricing level is appealing. Its business ...

Streamlining operations to cut costs has helped La-Z-Boy report two back-to-back positive earnings surprises.

The U.S. stock market is keeping close tabs this week on financial results from major retailers, the final large market group to issue their quarterly reports -- with a recent rally in the sector setting the expectations bar high. Wal-Mart will bear scrutiny early Thursday.