Markets ended mixed on Monday with economic concerns amid a profit warning in the trucking sector and energy weakness following a drop in oil prices. German software giant SAP (SAP) agreed to pay about $6.8 billion for business software maker Business Objects (BOBJ), or $59.35 per share. Dubai World's tender offer to buy 14.2 million shares of MGM Mirage (MGM) expired with investors selling it less than 3% of the stock it was seeking. The investment company said it would buy 14.2 million shares directly from the company at $84 each, 9.7% below the October 5 stock price. The DJIA lost 0.16%, while the Nasdaq added 0.25%.

Equity markets advanced sharply on Tuesday amid renewed M&A activity and comforting comments out of the Fed's minutes from its September meeting. In corporate news, shares of Molson Coors (TAP) added 10.47% after the company agreed to form a joint venture with SABMiller (SBMRY). Fast food chain Yum! Brands (YUM) gained after the company's third quarter earnings came in above expectations. Microchip Technologies (MCHP) fell 12.67% after the company issued weaker-than-expected fiscal second quarter (ended September) revenue guidance. The DJIA rose 0.86%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.59%.

Stocks ended the session mixed on Wednesday as weak earnings and profit-taking weighed on the broader market. In economic news, Wholesale Inventories in August rose 0.1%, below the Street estimate of 0.3%. In corporate news, shares of Alcoa (AA) slid 2.49% after the company's third quarter bottomline earnings came in below expectations. Boeing (BA) fell 2.73% after the company said the planned initial deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner will be delayed six months because of continued challenges completing assembly of the first airplanes. The DJIA dropped 0.61%, while the Nasdaq added 0.27%.

Technology led a broader stock market sell-off on Thursday with investors backing off after pushing the Dow and S&P 500 to record intraday highs earlier in the session. In economic news, weekly Jobless Claims for the week ended October 6, fell 12,000, to 308,000, versus Street consensus of 315,000. The August Trade Balance narrowed 2.4%, to a deficit of $57.5 billion, versus the Street prediction of a $59.0 billion deficit. In corporate news, Boeing (BA) slipped for a second day in a row on news that it is delaying the delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner planes by six months due to assembly problems. Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), said it now expects to earn $0.66–$0.69 per share in the fiscal third quarter (ending October), thanks to cost-cutting initiatives. Wal-Mart also reported tepid September sales growth, but investors sent the stock 3% higher. The DJIA finished down 0.45%, while the Nasdaq lost 1.40%.

Technology shares surged on Friday while broader gains were smaller, as investors apparently welcomed strong economic news, but wondered if the Fed would limit further interest rate cuts. In economic news, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for September came in at 1.1%, above the Street estimate of 0.5%. Advance Retail Sales added 0.6% in September, above the Street estimate of 0.2%. General Electric (GE) reported higher quarterly earnings that met estimates. However, investors took a “sell the news” approach, sending shares 1.37% lower. McDonald's (MCD) said third quarter earnings would top earlier forecasts thanks to strong global sales. The DJIA added 0.56%, while the Nasdaq rose 1.21%.

Equity markets finished in positive territory as investors welcomed increased M&A activity and positive economic data points. Oil was noteworthy as it closed the week at $83.69 a barrel after reaching a record high above $84. The yield on the 10-year note rose to 4.68% from 4.64% the previous week. For the week, the DJIA, S&P, and Nasdaq rose 0.19%, 0.28%, and 0.91%, respectively.