Stocks are sharply higher as investors feel optimistic about corporate takeovers

Stocks are up sharply in the early going Monday after Abbott Laboratories said it would buy the pharmaceutical business of Belgian chemicals maker Solvay for $6.6 billion and Xerox Corp. agreed to acquire Affiliated Computer Services for about $6.4 billion.

The takeover moves are a welcome sign that businesses have enough faith in a recovery in the economy to pursue acquisitions.

A rise was to be expected Monday after the stock market’s latest rally stalled in response to disappointing housing and manufacturing data. Investors are trying to decide whether it’s wise to commit much money to the market while the economic recovery looks more tentative.

Investors feel they got little direction over the weekend from leaders of the Group of 20 nations, who said they would keep stimulus plans.

Investors are waiting for critical economic data this week to help them determine what direction the market should take. The key report comes Friday when the Labor Department provides its monthly reading on employment. The market is waiting to see if there will be a significant decline in the number of jobs cut during September. Investors also are concerned about the unemployment rate. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters predict the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in September, from 9.7 percent a month earlier.

The market will get some insight into how consumers are feeling when the Conference Board issues its September consumer confidence index on Tuesday. And Thursday, the Commerce Department issues its report on consumers’ income and spending for August.

In early trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 87.22, or 0.9 percent, to 9,752.41. The broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 11.10, or 1.1 percent, to 1,055.48, and the Nasdaq composite index rose 27.53, or 1.3 percent, to 2,118.45.

Yesterday’s Top Performing Small Cap Stock:

Vivakor, Inc. (OTC BB: VIVK) was a eXpressIR top performer yesterday closing up over 8% on trading volume of 56,500 shares.

Shares of VIVK came under heavy accumulation again on Friday as volume surged more than 10X as compared to its 10-day average.

Vivakor is an up and coming biomedical/biotechnology company with trans-disciplinary research that develops and acquires products in the fields of molecular medicine, electro-optics, biological handling and natural and formulary compounds, that extend or improve life.

The R&D Core at Vivakor (the idea hub) innovates, develops and validates biomedical devices and biotechnologies. Commercialization of Vivakor technologies is accomplished through partnerships with manufacturers and niche-industry marketing and distribution leaders.

Vivakor generates revenues through the licensing or sale of its technologies. Vivakor is preparing a portfolio of intellectual properties and subsidiaries. The subsidiaries will focus on the commercialization of technologies developed by Vivakor. More information can be found about Vivakor at www.vivakor.com.

Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTC BB: MVTG) was another eXpressIR top performer yesterday closing up over 17% on trading volume of 34,877 shares.

Mantra Venture Group Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shawn Kim and Mr. John Russell to the board of directors. Mr. Kim and Mr. Russell have extensive experience in finance and technical evaluation (respectively), and will provide invaluable guidance in ensuring the continued success of the company.

Larry Kristof, President and C.E.O. of Mantra, comments: “It is with great excitement that we welcome Mr. Kim and Mr. Russell to the board. Both are well respected within our industry and have shown strong leadership skills – making them well suited to lead Mantra.” Kristof added: “In the coming months we will be adding even further leadership to the board, including independent directors that are well recognized for their expertise in the green tech sector. The new board will be pivotal as we enter into negotiations with larger corporations, and will ensure that we maintain the high standards and strong reputation that has been established by our performance to date.”

Today’s eXpressIR Hot Stock to Watch:

Muscle Flex Inc. (Pink Sheets: MFLI)

Muscle Flex Inc. announced today that Founder & CEO, Danny Alex, talked with online radio host Stuart Smith of SmallCapVoice.com and provided a detailed, one on one question and answer session about Muscle Flex Inc.

The interview can be heard at the Muscle Flex main corporate website at www.MuscleFlexInc.com or at the following link: http://expressir.com/9-25-09-audio-interview-with-muscle-flex-inc-otcpk-mfli/

In the 15 minute interview, Muscle Flex CEO Danny Alex spoke in detail about the Company’s business plan, focus and overall corporate strategy. The SmallCapVoice.com online question and answer session is the most comprehensive and detailed interview that Muscle Flex CEO Danny Alex has provided and gives specific and genuine insight into the corporate philosophy and strategy of Muscle Flex Inc.