Many private-equity stories on Wall Street had disappointing endings this year. Amy Scott recaps some of the deals with Doug Krizner, and looks into why many investors started turning away from risky debt.

In talks between China and the two Koreas, North Korea is being offered economic aid if it discloses information on its nuclear program. Scott Tong reports the deal could fall apart if North Korea reneges.

MAXjet Airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, leaving some passengers stranded on Christmas Eve. Nancy Marshall-Genzer takes a look at what sent the airline into freefall.

Once the world's largest wealth manager, UBS is now staying afloat by selling shares to foreign investors. Stephen Beard reports Switzerland is upset, and officials want to figure out who's to blame.

Author Robert Kuttner says lawmakers on both sides of the aisle need to answer for the latest hiccup in our economy. His new book, "The Squandering of America" looks at how the failure of our politics undermines our prosperity. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

Shareholders at Swiss bank UBS are upset over a deal with a mysterious investment from Saudi Arabia. Scott Jagow talks to Haig Simonian of The Financial Times about the realities these shareholders are facing.

The final GDP numbers are in, and the economy grew 4.9 percent in the third quarter, despite the looming threat of recession. Nancy Marshall Genzer looks into why, and reports some economists are still cautious.

Central banks around the world are pumping money into the global financial system to help ease the credit crunch. Jill Barshay also reports that instead of issuing penalty rates, they're lending money at a bargain.

While most Americans seem to be riding out the credit crunch, a large number are struggling to stay afloat. Steve Tripoli reports on the people increasingly swamped by a second wave of debt distress.