X - Hot Stocks: IVZ merger speculation; MANU falls on earnings; AGEN data; ZUMZ stock buyback; X building facility

M&A speculation took the spotlight in Friday's pre-market action. Invesco (NYSE:IVZ) got a boost on reports that it was in talks for a potential merger with a unit of State Street (NYSE:STT). Agenus (NASDAQ:AGEN) also experienced pre-market strength, inspired by the release of clinical trial results. Zumiez (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) gained as well, thanks to a stock repurchase plan. Looking at some of the pre-market losers, sports franchise Manchester United (NYSE:MANU) slipped following a disappointing quarterly report. U.S. Steel (NYSE:X) also felt some selling pressure, pulled down by plans to build a new facility. Gainers Invesco (IVZ) found buying interest during pre-market trading amid reports that it was in merger talks with State Street's (STT) asset-management business. According to The Wall Street Journal, discussions of a possible transaction have taken place, but the potential terms remain unclear. Bolstered by the deal speculation, IVZ posted a pre-market gain of 5%. Agenus (AGEN) revealed

For further details see:

Hot Stocks: IVZ merger speculation; MANU falls on earnings; AGEN data; ZUMZ stock buyback; X building facility