Belgian-Dutch banking giant Fortis was forced to deny rumours that it was experiencing liquidity problems as its shares took a battering for a fifth day in a row Friday.
"We underline the solid position of the bank," Fortis said in a statement released in Brussels and Utrecht.
"Fortis solvency is solid and well above the regulatory minimum," the bank said, adding that its core capital stood at the end of June at an above-target level of 4 billion euros (5.86 billion dollars).
During early afternoon trading in Brussels, its shares were down 12 per cent on Thursday's closure, at one stage reaching their lowest level in 14 years.
Fortis ranks among Europe's top 20 financial institutions and is part of a consortium that took over Dutch bank ABN Amro.
Speculation about its liquidity and funding has prompted rumours that it might be taken over by BNP Paribas.
The Belgian government also moved to play down concerns that Fortis might become the latest victim of the global credit crunch by appealing for calm.
"We call on financial operators to be responsible and refrain from spreading false information," said Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders.
Shares fell 2.1 per cent Friday on the Seoul stock exchange on general recession fears. South Korea's won dropped against the dollar.
When the Spirit rover landed on Mars five years ago, no one expected it or its sister rover Opportunity to make it to their first birthdays, let alone their fifth.
Amelie Mauresmo fell victim to a leg injury after less than half an hour on court Friday to hand over a 4-0 victory which put French compatriot Marion Bartoli into the final of the Brisbane International.
Mumbai-based movie Slumdog Millionaire won five prizes Thursday night at the Critics Choice Awards, cementing its position as a surprise favourite just as the Oscar season moves into high gear.
After the Taipei Zoo received two giant pandas from China, another Taiwan zoo said Friday it is seeking to receive a pair of pandas from China.