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Blue-chip earnings and an improvement in consumer sentiment helped stocks shrug off disappointing economic growth to end mixed Friday -- but the market still enjoyed its biggest monthly gain in a year.

Chevron's second-quarter earnings easily topped forecasts, but revenue came in lower than analysts expected. It recorded net income of $5.41 billion, or $2.70 a share, up from $1.75 billion, or 87 cents, in last year's second quarter.

Blue-chip energy giants ExxonMobil and Chevron report earnings this week, and if analysts' forecasts are right, both should post sharply higher revenues and profits, helped by lower costs and higher oil prices.

The first peak week of reports was just what the market ordered, thanks to some beat-and-raise results from Dow blue chips. This week has more big names on tap. And again, jittery investors will be looking closely, especially for revenue growth. [With video]

The earnings crunch rolls on this coming week, and analysts are looking for strong quarterly results, especially from Avon, Broadcom, Chevron and Southwest Airlines. Motorola, Weyerhaueser and Sunoco are expected to revert to profit from losses in the same quarter last year.

Four of the world's largest oil companies are forming a joint venture to create a rapid-response system to capture and contain oil spills in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Corporate disasters can lead to unprecedented changes in the ways business and government operate. Think Three Mile Island, or the massive 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara, Calif., which led to Earth Day and the environmental movement.

European debt worries, the rising dollar and falling oil prices are conspiring to knock down oil company shares. But this trio could be getting whacked harder than they deserve -- especially if you don't believe the dollar will keep climbing.

Uh oh. The stock market's big swings last week pushed up the S&P VIX -- the "investor fear gauge" -- by 30%. In such times, stocks with low beta (less volatile than the S&P 500 average), above-par performance and compelling valuations can be the ticket. Here are some to consider.

Chevron Corp. says its first-quarter profit more than doubled as oil prices soared over the past year. The San Ramon, Calif. oil company reported income of $4.55 billion, or $2.27 per share, for the first three months of the year. That compares with $1.84 billion, or 92 cents per share, in the same part of 2009.