1.   Burnett, who says the FTC probably will oppose the transactions, said some may be influenced too much by company optimism about approval prospects.

2.   Japanese stocks traded mixed as concern slow economic growth and deregulation will hurt financial companies offset optimism a strong dollar help automakers.

3.   Japanese stocks traded mixed as concern slow economic growth and deregulation will hurt financial companies offset optimism a strong dollar will help automakers.

4.   Japanese stocks fell as concerns about profits at technology companies offset optimism that a plan to bail out troubled housing loan companies will pass parliament.

5.   The food wholesaler and retailer rose amid optimism the company can continue its restructuring after completing its converting preference share offer last week.