Down times are signals of opportunity, a chance to capitalize on the irrational panic of headline-sensitive chicken-hearts.

U.S. office goods supplier Staples proposed a 7.25 euros per share cash offer for Dutch peer Corporate Express, valuing it at around 2.5 billion euros ($3.7 billion) and sending its shares soaring.

Hasbro posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit Monday, boosted by strong demand for its Transformers, Nerf and Furreal Friends product lines, helping to send shares up as much as 4 percent.

A new WHO report does not single out tobacco companies by name, but anti-tobacco groups have sounded the alarm about aggressive expansion in emerging markets by cigarette makers like Altria's Philip Morris International unit, which is set to be spun off as an independent company in March.

Dutch office goods supplier Corporate Express reversed falling sales in its key U.S. market, sending its shares up as much as 10 percent and bolstering its defence against hedge funds pushing for a sale.

Electrolux, the world's second-biggest home appliances maker, reported quarterly earnings above market expectations on Wednesday and forecast 2008 core income in line with 2007, sending its shares up.

Colgate-Palmolive on Thursday posted a higher quarterly profit, helped by cost cuts, increased advertising and growing market share for toothpaste, shower gel and toothbrushes.