Watch that
Apple and Foxconn, its China-based manufacturing partner, have discussed designs for a watch-like device that would perform some functions of a smartphone, WSJ.com reported, citing sources. Foxconn is experimenting with technologies that could be used in wearable gadgets, one source said. So far, rivals are building wearable devices designed to measure physical activity.
Ally rally
TARP recipient Ally Financial vowed it will repay the $14.6 billion it owes Uncle Sam by 2014 on the strength of its auto-finance business. Last year, Ally financed the most new- and used-vehicle sales in the nation for the second consecutive year.
Air merger
US Airways and AMR Corp. are near an $11 billion merger that would create the world’s largest airline, and could announce a deal within a week after resolving differences on valuation and management structure, people familiar with the matter said.
Gas pain
Regular gas jumped 24.75 cents a gallon over the past two weeks to $3.5918, according to a national survey.