Stocks are facing a mixed opening again this morning. It might be a better day for tech stocks. Research in Motion has reported strong earnings. But, chip giant Micron Technology Inc. reported a larger-than-expected loss, and Symantec Corp. issued an earnings warning. These stocks are leading some techs down.

The old economy names are taking a hit due to an earnings warning by drug giant Merck & Co.

In Europe, stocks are mixed at midday. Telecoms and techs are weak, but the financials are up on speculation that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates. A survey showed German business confidence dropping a two-year low. That’s hitting the Euro, and boosting rate cut hopes. As a result, the FTSE is more or less unchanged at 5642. The CAC 40 has gained 35 points to 5170. The DAX is down 13 points to 5914.

Stocks were also mixed overnight in Asia. Hopes for a U.S. rate cut next week pushed Japanese stocks higher, but the markets remain nervous about Asian growth. The Nikkei gained 82 points to 13045. The Hang Seng finished down just 13 points to 13174.

In M&A news, Singapore’s DBS Group Holdings Ltd. is bidding US$5.2 billion for Overseas Union Bank Ltd. Tobacco firm Gallaher Group plc is buying Austria Tabakwerke AG for US$1.8 billion, including debt. GE Capital is buying mutual insurer National Mutual in the UK for US$806 million.

Finally, the Wall Street Journal says that Washington Mutual Inc. is in talks to buy Dime Bancorp Inc. for about US$5 billion.