By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – UAL Corp.'s United Airlines announced on Monday it will merge with Continental Airlines in a deal worth $3.2 billion, creating the world's largest airline.

The combined company, which will fly under the United moniker and Continental logo, is now larger than Delta Air Lines (DAL, Fortune 500), which became the country's largest airline when it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008. It is expected to serve more than 144 million passengers per year and fly to 370 destinations in 59 countries.

"Combining these two companies is the best way to position ourselves ... to thrive in the changing and competitive airline [industry,]" said Jeff Smisek, chief executive of Continental, in a press conference with Glenn Tilton, chief executive of UAL Corp. "Continental is strong where United is weak; United is strong where Continental is weak. Putting these two carriers together is a match made in heaven."

Under the terms of the deal, Continental shareholders will receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each Continental common share they own, the companies said in a statement. FULL STORY

(CNN) – The Wall Street scandal that brought our financial system to its knees has focused a lot of attention on mortgage securities. This week, Congress grilled Goldman Sachs executives for allegedly selling them, while betting against them. But there are other players in the financial world who played a role in the near collapse of our economy, like the credit rating agencies. CNN's Allan Chernoff reports.

(CNN) – The top boss at Goldman Sachs, CEO Lloyd Blankfein, heads to Capitol Hill today to testify. His company is under fire and accused of fraud.

Blenkfein's opening remarks have already been released. We know he'll argue that his company did not mislead investors and did not bet against the housing market. Our Allan Chernoff joined us on Tuesday's American Morning to break it all down.

CNNMoney: Goldman Sachs to face tough questions over financial crisis

(CNN) – After some rough times, things are looking up in Detroit. GM says it's repaid the billions it borrowed from Uncle Sam, five years ahead of schedule. Chrysler is announcing a first quarter profit this year and Ford has been on a tear for months.

Is it as good as it looks or just better than it was? Rick Newman covers the auto industry for US News and World Report and he joined us on Friday's American Morning to share his take.