By MarketWatch MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE As 2009 draws to a close, stocks look set to gain, albeit amid holiday-thinned volumes. Focus for Tuesday on a closely watched consumer-sentiment index. See full story. Philippine banks, property shares to gain in 2010 The Philippine stock market might not keep pace in 2010 with its year-to-date climb of more than 60%, but it will likely continue to post gains, with the banking, consumer and property sectors leading the advance. See full story. Australia outperforms as Asia markets finish mixed Australia markets close at their highest level in more than two months supported by gains in agrichemical firm Nufarm on news of a strategic investment from Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical. See full story. Tuesday's biggest gaining and declining stocks Among the shares expected to see active trade in Tuesday's session are those of the major U.S. brokerages as well as AIG, Fairchild Semiconductor, Imperial Sugar, and Vivus. See full story. Europe stocks climb as year-end push continues Stocks advance in thin conditions, with the few traders active pushing up the market to new multi-month highs. See full story. MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY If you are ever on Facebook it’s hard to miss the phenomenon that’s swept the site over the last year. Welcome to FarmVille. See full story.

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