The stock market had its best day of the year yesterday, in large part due to a pleasant surprise, in the form of a report card on stress tests that were taken by the big banks.

Probing deeper into the cracks that emerged when the Federal Reserve did the torture test on banks, it's tough to get past the few that did not make the grade.

Now that most big U.S. banks are deemed healthy enough to sustain a financial crisis, will they aid the economic recovery?

China has just surpassed the United States as the biggest smartphone market in the world. Smartphones here at home are helping consumers to find the best deal this holiday season. Holiday travel could be hindered by fewer flight delays and cancellations, thanks to new government penalties.