The markets in the United States moved largely higher this week, with the exception of the Nasdaq, following relatively upbeat earnings. Bank earnings were among the most watched this past week, with commercial bank earnings projected to grow 39% in aggregate this quarter. Gun sellers also experienced a jump after President Obama outlined plans to enhance gun control laws. But ultimately, concerns over the debt ceiling and the U.S. credit rating kept stocks subdued.

International markets fared significantly better this week, despite new data showing that Germany’s economy contracted in the fourth quarter and Britain’s economy entered a triple-dip recession. Top gainers included the Nikkei 225, which soared due to the introduction of new stimulus and the promise of a lower yen, and the Shanghai Composite, which both rose more than 14% on the week due to favorable macroeconomic trends.