Banks back off

Wells Fargo dropped plans to charge a $3 monthly fee for its debit cards after customers in a pilot program opposed the fee. Bank of America is likely to allow many customers to avoid its $5 monthly fee by maintaining minimum balances, having direct deposit or using BofA credit cards.

Mixed marts

The S&P 500 rose less than 0.1 percent to 1,285.09, after rallying 3.4 percent yesterday. The Dow Jones industrial average added 22.56 points, or 0.2 percent, to 12,231.11. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.48 points, or 0.05 percent, to 2,737.15.

Madoff plea

Andrew Madoff, son of confidence man Bernard Madoff, appealed a bankruptcy judge’s ruling that allowed a $198 million lawsuit by the liquidator of his father’s firm to go forward.

MetLife mojo

MetLife promoted Beth Hirschhorn, the marketing chief who helped put the insurer’s name on the New Meadowlands Stadium, to executive vice president of global brand marketing.

Hulu help

CW Network reached a five-year deal with Web video provider Hulu.