The same Capsugel deal today, Kravis said, would have a cost of capital near 9%, a reflection of the late-summer weakness in equity markets and window closing in the high-yield market, which moves on a hair trigger in turbulent times.

FORBES: KKR's Henry Kravis: 'Any Fool Can Buy A Company'

Chief Justice John Roberts asked the city's lawyer how long he needs to switch off his trigger lock (which requires entering a three-digit code) when a criminal is climbing through the window.

ECONOMIST: The Supreme Court hears a crucial case