When the credit markets froze solid last year, equities hit the skids, the economy tanked and so did the number of announced mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

The once booming business of private equity faces an uncertain future. What’s not uncertain, however, is that many private equity deals are imploding from the weight of leveraged debt and greed. Inevitable bankruptcies will result in higher unemployment and a deeper recession.

With oil trading near a three-month low (and corn now at a four-month low), U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers may have just the ammunition they need to hold the line on interest rates for the foreseeable future – or at least until their Sept. 16 policymaking meeting.

Hedge fund managers probably have one of the most profitable businesses on Wall Street and in London. In fact, hedge fund managers make so much that you might say hedge funds resemble con-jobs.