Business

Business briefs

Feelin’ ill fella?

Former SAC manager Mathew Martoma, charged with trading on illicit tips from a physician about an Alzheimer’s drug, was accused by US prosecutors of arranging paid consulations with a second doctor in exchange for inside information.

‘Exped’-iency

Travelocity and Expedia are combining many of their online travel services. Shares of Expedia jumped 5.1 percent on the news yesterday to $48.84.

Talking BATS

BATS Global Markets, the third-largest US stock exchange, is in advanced talks to merge with smaller rival Direct Edge Holdings, which would create the second-biggest US stock market operator behind the NYSE.

‘Intern’ probe

Bank of America has appointed a panel of senior officials to investigate circumstances surrounding the death of summer intern Moritz Erhardt, who was working in Merrill Lynch’s investment banking division in London.

Housing $lide

Purchases of new US homes plunged 13.4 percent in July, the most in more than three years, raising concern higher mortgage rates will slow the real-estate rebound.