IBM

Impressed by the speed and accuracy with which Watson churned out answers (or rather, "questions") in its winning performance in the Jeopardy! Challenge last year? Citigroup was, too -- so much so that it has hired the supercomputer to assist its human financial professionals.

For investors who open a brokerage account and buy stocks, there's more to be had than just the promise of better investment returns. Some of America's best-known firms also offer perks to their shareholders -- and not just big-money shareholders, either.

On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 13,005, the first time it had crossed the 13,000 line since its plummet as the nation sank into the financial crisis almost five years ago. But what is the Dow, anyway? And what are these "points" it's measured in? Allow us to explain...

On the 2012 Interbrand list of the world's most valuable brands, the top seven are the same as in 2011, with Coca-Cola leading the way. Then we get to No. 8. That spot used to be held by wireless phone giant Nokia, but Apple has knocked it down -- way down.

There's never a dull moment on Wall Street, especially now that we're hitting 2012's first earnings season. What will help shape the week that lies ahead? Earnings and answers from banks, Google, eBay and IBM, and a big education related announcement from Apple.

Global consulting firm Interbrand recently released its annual list of the top 100 Global Brands. And if you take three guesses as to the most popular brand in the world, there's a good chance you'll get it on the first try.

Historically, women's heel sizes reach new heights when the economy is down, and fall when it's prosperous. But come winter and spring, we'll be seeing more women in kitten heels and flats, despite the continuing economic doldrums.

China's race to space is the science and technology story grabbing the headlines these days. But it's China's down-to-earth move into semiconductor country that should worry investors most.

In an interview with CNBC on Monday, Warren Buffett said his company bought about $10.7 billion of IBM stock this year, giving it a stake of more than 5 percent in the technology company. Berkshire Hathaway Inc., planned to file a full quarterly update on its U.S. stock portfolio Monday afternoon.

From PepsiCo to Avon to Xerox, these women are responsible for some of the biggest companies and brands that consumers touch and feel everyday. And this year, there's a new No. 1 on Fortune's list of the most powerful women.