U.S. markets post mixed results
Purchasing report show continued economic deterioration in Europe
Benchmark index surges 253 points on the first trading day of 2012
China’s main manufacturing index shows expansion
Jobs reports on deck
Benchmark index sheds 11% in 2011
Oil prices advance
Trading volume is expected to be low Friday and into next week
Positive signs about the state of the U.S. economy
Shares of Research In Motion rise 9.8% on reports of takeover offers