Markets close on slight rise

Many companies will report their first-quarter earnings this week. Investors will be looking at those earnings and companies' guidance toward future quarters. Investors should get a good indication of where companies stand by the end of the week. Nearly 30 percent of the companies that comprise the S&P 500 are expected to report their earnings. \nLast week, the Nasdaq gained 14 percent. Now, many investors will be watching technology companies to attempt to determine where the sector stands. Large technology companies releasing earnings this week include AOL Time Warner, Microsoft, Intel, Sun Microsystems, Texas Instruments, Advanced Micro Devices, Apple Computer and Gateway.\nToday's expected earnings\nToday earnings are expected from BankAmerica, Citigroup, Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer and Charles Schwab. \nLast week\nThe markets did not open Friday because of the Easter weekend. Thursday, the Nasdaq Composite Index closed at 1,961.42, up 62.47 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed in positive territory, closing up 113.47 at 10,126.94. The Nasdaq closed in the black for four consecutive days and gained 14 percent for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 3 percent for the week.\nStock news\nStruggling online grocer Webvan Group Inc. announced Friday that George T. Shaheen resigned from his position as chief executive officer. Shaheen had run the company since his departure as CEO from Anderson Consulting. Less than two weeks ago, Webvan released an annual report that included a warning from its auditor expressing "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to continue operations through the end of the year. \nNetworking equipment maker Juniper Networks reported first quarter earnings that were on the high side of analyst expectations. Forecasts ranged from 21 to 25 cents a share, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. Juniper's stock closed up more than 15 percent Thursday. \nGeneral Electric reported earnings excluding an accounting adjustment of 30 cents a share on Thursday. The company matched analysts' expectations according to Thomson Financial/First Call. General Electric posted a 16 percent rise in profits and recorded record revenues. The company was helped by the success of its power-systems unit that posted a profit that more than doubled from last year. \n"The record results for the first quarter once again demonstrate the ability of GE's diverse mix of leading global businesses to deliver earnings growth, increased margins and strong cash generation despite a challenging economic climate," GE Chairman and Chief Executive John F. Welch said in a prepared statement.\nFinal note\nRepresentatives from China and the United States are expected to meet Wednesday. Investors and companies who are interested in trade relations between the two countries will watch the meeting closely.