Merck (MRK) is up 0.5%, to $55.25, on news that it acquired Australian-based cancer treatment firm Viralytics for $394 million. Traders are hoping they will shed more light on how hawkish the Fed is turning, its worries about inflation, and the chances it will hike short-term interest rates four times this year instead of the expected three. Morning Movers Advance Auto Parts (AAP) is up 3.8% in early-morning trading, to $109.31, as its better-than-expected fourth quarter overshadowed weak guidance.