Falling consumer prices lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 52 points to 12,549. Nasdaq added 2 points to 2821.

On the upside

Quest Software (Nasdaq: QSFT) received a higher acquisition offer of approximately $2.15 billion in cash that topped Insight Venture Partners' $2 billion bid.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) reported higher first quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations prompting the grocery store chain to lift its full year guidance.

Shares of Dendreon (Nasdaq: DNDN) continued rising after Summer Street initiated coverage of the biotechnology firm with a Buy rating yesterday.

On the downside

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) warned that second quarter results will fall short of expectations announced plans to eliminate 10,000 positions around the world and close production facilities.

3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) priced its public offering of 3.7 million common shares at the discounted price of $27.00 per share.

Swiss National Bank said that Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS) must increase its capital.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of 5 to 4 on the NYSE while decliners barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks eased a fraction to 752.