NewsWatch: U.S. outlook cloudier after weak jobs data

After a dismal employment report for May, catalysts for faster U.S. economic growth are hard to find. And the European crisis continues to act as a drag.

First-quarter earnings enter their second big week of the season with the likes of Apple, Exxon Mobil and Chevron dominating a stage shared with French election results and U.S. economic data.

Software giant tops forecasts, cuts operating expense outlook for the year. Investors awaiting launch of Windows 8 operating system later this year.

Investors will get a better idea of how Americans feel about the economy through reports this week on consumer confidence and individual spending. Economists are watching to see if a jump in gas prices starts to weigh on the mind of consumers.

Nearly a year after a monster earthquake set off a chain-reaction of tragic events, Japan serves as a reminder of not only how far it has come from the catastrophic aftermath, but also how much more difficult its task remains.

U.S. stocks gain after data show the economy added more jobs than expected last month, furthering optimism that the American recovery continues.

Data show a sales increase for U.S. retailers in December of just 0.1%, bucking expectations for stronger growth in receipts during the all-important holidays.

The U.S. added 200,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate fell for the fourth month in a row, to 8.5%, in a fresh sign the economy is picking up and businesses are more willing to hire, government data showed.

Investors seen watching for signs of monetary policy changes and consumer spending.

U.S. stock futures rise on Tuesday, tracking gains in European markets, as hopes remain high that euro-zone officials will take action to tackle the sovereign debt crisis.