There was a big boost in commodities markets when stocks took a beating earlier this week, but now commodities are starting to cool off. Those Fed rate cuts shored up the dollar, making commodities produced in the U.S. more expensive for foreign buyers. Alisa Roth reports.

There are several ways to look at the Fed's recent actions, either as a positive meltdown prevention or free-market interference. Scott Jagow talks to Chris Farrell, who says we're eventually going to reregulate the industry.

After the trouble with Bear Stearns, there's concern about mid-sized banks like Washington Mutual that are heavily exposed to mortgages. But Dan Grech the Federal Reserve's aggressive moves are calming nerves.

Just like today, the early 1970s were also a time of accelerated inflation and rising commodities prices. Commentator David Frum says the Fed is now repeating the mistakes it made in the early '70s — mistakes which ultimately led to a recession.

Many states are struggling with lean budgets this year. Now Vermont's governor wants to make ends meet by selling or leasing the state's lottery to a private company. But some lawmakers worry about the long-term effect of giving up control of a state money-making asset. John Dillon reports.

Though the Fed cut interest rates dramatically, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has gone up since the beginning of January. Jeremy Hobson reports why banks aren't interested in dropping rates for long-term loans.

The JPMorgan buyout of Bear Stearns seems to have appeased the markets, but it also angered many Stearns shareholders. Now some are suing, claiming Stearns execs hid the firm's true financial condition and failed to properly manage risk. Bob Moon reports.

Mortgage refinancing has been at its lowest level since December, and policymakers have been hoping refinancing could help end the crisis in the financial markets. Jeremy Hobson reports.

The mailbox is bursting with your comments. This week: your thoughts on our special series "The Middle East at Work," including your personal observations from living and working in Dubai.

From mom and pop investors to day traders, everyone is affected by the chaotic market. Kai Ryssdal speaks to Daniel Scotto's of Whitehall Investment Advisors about what an individual investor can do while the market normalizes.