News that European leaders were drawing up a new rescue plan for Greece and taking a broader approach to dealing with Europe’s debt troubles drove markets higher Thursday.

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.

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.

ACCOUNTING problems for drug-maker Merck and a weak quarterly report from aluminum producer Alcoa were among the factors pushing stocks lower at midday yesterday.