1.   BMW called merger rumors unfounded, while Volvo and Ford declined comment.

2.   The agreement was announced after the market closed, but both stocks were active on merger rumors.

3.   Market analysts played down persistent merger rumors among big European car makers Tuesday, even as shares kept rising in companies such as AB Volvo.

4.   The merger rumors have led to unusually high trading volumes on both stocks.

5.   Trading of DDI shares was briefly halted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Tuesday morning amid the merger rumors.

6.   He said investors are shifting their funds into traditionally stable stocks such as pharmaceuticals, a sector that also benefited from merger rumors.

7.   Electricity companies were supported by merger rumors.