UNITED Drug has increased its presence in the British home-based pharmacy care market by signing a joint venture agreement with US company, Medco Health Solutions.

Stocks rebounded today as reports of a surge in consumer spending and improving health in the manufacturing sector restored investors’ confidence in the economy.

US stocks regained ground today as the market’s cautious optimism was restored by government data showing only modest inflation, better-than-expected corporate earnings, announcements of two merger deals and the report of a third.

Wall Street roared back to life today as investors refocused on earnings news, shaking off concerns about rising interest rates that have dogged the market for almost two weeks.