As Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) board of directors approaches a self-imposed deadline at the end of this week to pick a successor to outgoing CEO Ken Lewis, the company is finding few willing takers outside the bank. According to those familiar with the situation, at least three renowned bank executives have turned down the opportunity, leaving the board to choose among a number of internal candidates. Sources states that the board was keen on ex JPMorgan Chase (JPM: NYSE) co-president Bill Winters, in addition to Barclays Capital President Bob Diamond and former Merrill Lynch exec-turned-Yale professor Greg Fleming, but none of the three are interested. Diamond is said to have outright rejected an offer to be on a short list of candidates interviewed. –New York Post

Visa (NYSE: V) is known for not taking a lot of risk. The company collects a little of the spoils on each transaction made. Visa increased top-line sales by 10% in the third quarter, and expanded per-share profit by 28% to 74 cents, excluding certain items. Forecasts were for 72 cents per share. Visa only recorded a 5% increase in cash from operations on a full-year basis according to the corporate press release. However, going forward, Visa expects free cash flow to be quite satisfactory. For 2010, management believes the twelve-month figure for free cash will be higher than $2 billion. The board also approved a $1 billion share buyback, showing confidence in the future of the company. Furthermore, Visa raised its dividend by 19%. –Blogging Stocks

Orders for U.S. durable goods rose last month for the fourth time in the past six months, a sign that factories are participating in an economic recovery. The one percent increase in bookings for goods meant to last several years matched the median estimate of economists and followed a 2.6 percent drop the prior month. Excluding transportation equipment, orders climbed 0.9 percent, exceeding the survey median. Gains in manufacturing are one reason why economists project that a report tomorrow will show the economy expanded last quarter at the fastest pace in nearly two years. Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) and Eaton (NYSE: ETN) are among companies stating that sales will improve in coming months as more than $2 trillion in global government stimulus boosts demand from China to Europe. -Bloomberg

Oil dropped below $79 a barrel today, pressured by weaker equities and a stronger dollar, and as prices struggled to break through the psychological $80 barrier. U.S. crude for December delivery fell 56 cents to $78.99 per barrel, after settling up 87 cents yesterday, its first rise in four days. –Reuters

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) third-quarter profit declined 10% as demand for its business jets dropped sharply, resulting in a five-week production shutdown. However, U.S. demand for military hardware offset the slump in business aviation, prompting the Falls Church, Va.-based defense contractor to boost its full-year earnings outlook. -Marketwatch

-Jutia Group