Stocks ended higher following strong trade data, though the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted a weekly decline and snapped a five-week winning streak. The U.S. trade deficit fell almost 21% in December to $38.5 billion, marking the biggest drop in four years, as exports rose and imports softened. In China, exports and imports accelerated at a faster-than-expected rate in January, according to official data. Also, McDonald’s said its global comparable sales in January fell 1.9%. Shares closed up 0.25%. Moody’s shares fell 7.7% after the co. reported a 66% surge in fourth-quarter earnings, but they came in slightly lower than expected. LinkedIn gained 21.3% after the co. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and revenue. Apple traded up 1.4% on speculations that the co. may consider returning more cash to shareholders following its statement Thursday. AOL and Activision Blizzard jumped 7.4% and 11.2% respectively after the companies reported better-than-expected results. This week investors will get a broad look at the state of the economy from a variety of reports, including several reports on manufacturing, retail sales, import and export prices. In corporate news, earnings are expected from Goodyear, Coca-Cola, Deere, General Motors, PepsiCo, McGraw-Hill and Michael Kors. Investors will also watch closely President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening.
