The $7 billion settlement between Visa Inc. (V), MasterCard Inc. (MA), some large banks and retailers, if approved, sends a strong message to consumers: Buck up and plan on paying for the privilege of using a credit card or any other payment method.

HSBC Wednesday trimmed its 2012 price outlook on copper, aluminum, nickel and zinc, but noted the potential for price gains later in the year as market fundamentals come back into focus.

Special to DOW JONES NEWSWIRES KAMPALA Uganda--The Uganda government has issued tenders for paving at least 1,180 miles of roads in the next three years in a bid to support the "primary growth" of the country's agriculture, tourism and oil sectors, the state-run Uganda National Roads Authority said

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into possible throttle control problems with Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs from model years 2001 to 2004.

U.S. Bancorp's (USB) second-quarter profit rose 18% as the lender reduced its credit costs and posted strengthening revenue growth.

The Charles Schwab's (NYSE:SCHW) profit climbed in the second quarter, topping analysts' expectations.

Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (ISP.MI) Wednesday made an offer to buy back 12 subordinated notes and 20 senior notes from investors to strengthen its capital base.

U.S. stock-index futures drifted lower on Wednesday as traders waited for data on the housing market and another round of commentary from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday sought to dismiss fears that a 100 billion euro ($122 billion) rescue package for Spanish banks could hurt German taxpayers, the day before Germany's parliament is due to approve the aid.