fedex

U.S. stocks closed higher Thursday, as signs of strength in the economy and higher-than-expected profit at FedEx outweighed an IMF warning about inaction over Europe's debt crisis.

Wall Street rallied Thursday, as stronger labor market and manufacturing data lifted sentiment after three days of losses, while higher quarterly profit from FedEx also boosted equities.

Call it the pregame show for Santa and his elves. Monday is expected to be the busiest day in FedEx history, with nearly 16 million packages moving on its conveyer belts, trucks and planes.

Ed Gullo never thought he'd be on this side of a package delivery.

FedEx Corp. has raised its forecast of earnings for the November quarter, citing stronger-than-expected growth in international priority and ground shipments.

The package delivery company warned that its profit would remain weak through the end of the year. It also said it would raise shipping rates in 2010.

Sep. 11 - Demand worries sparked an almost 4-percent drop in the price of oil, offsetting hopes of an economic rebound prompted by FedEx's improved outlook.

FedEx , the world's second-largest package delivery company, raised its first-quarter earnings forecast on Friday, citing stronger-than-expected international shipments and cost-cutting.

Its shares were up more than 6 percent in midday trading.

The package delivery company, whose results are seen as an indicator of the overall health of the economy, cited stronger-than-expected international shipments and cost cutting.

When Wall Street collapsed, the paper stopped. Memos, invoices and order forms were left unsent.