Estée Lauder stock rises as merger talks with Puig Brands end, easing investor concerns.

Estée Lauder's shares rose early Friday after news that a potential merger with Spanish fashion company Puig Brands was called off. The stock had fallen 25% earlier this year, so the end of merger talks brought relief to investors worried about the deal's impact. This development removes uncertainty around the company's future direction, potentially stabilizing its stock price going forward.