While Asia had a decidedly mixed day yesterday, highlighted by the selloff in China on rumors of curbs on the overheated property market (if only Vietnam had such problems!), US markets hit new multi-year highs boosted by the specter of M&A in the office supplies sector. European markets as well broke a three-day losing streak, lifted by stronger-than-expected German investor confidence. Germany surged well past consensus forecasts in February, reaching the highest point in nearly three years.