The PCI Manufacturers’ Index showed nary a worry as it rose a healthy 74.54 points, or 6.04 percent to end at 1308.77. Akzo Nobel and BASF carried most of the load this session: despite the index’s strong showing, declining issues outpaced advancing issues at a 6-to-4 count.

Heavy-lifter Akzo Nobel zoomed up 12.57 points and closed at 75.92 after word that Schering-Plough will buy the company’s pharmaceutical division for $14.4 billion. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. Azko Nobel CEO Hans Wijers said in a conference call that the company is considering other options to strengthen its place in the chemicals and coatings sector, such as acquisitions and greenfield investments. “Any transaction that makes strategic sense and that creates long-term value will be considered,” Wijers said. Akzo Nobel increased 19.84 percent, and was the top percentage gainer this session.