U.S. stocks traded higher in the early going, lifted by acquisition news and optimism over interest-rate hikes. In corporate news, Merck & Co. is expected to announce a deal with privately held Neuromed Pharmaceuticals to develop painkilling drugs. Wal-Mart Stores announced it could hire 150,000 people in China over the next 5 years and open 20 stores in the country in 2006. Williams-Sonoma Inc. reported 6% profit rise for Q4, above expectations. |
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