Photo Gallery The Global Downturn

The recession which started in the US has now spread across the globe. Here a New York store tries to attract customers.

Russia is suffering its worst financial crisis in a decade. Here striking construction workers warm themselves in the city of Yekaterinburg.

The global financial crisis brought Iceland to the brink of bankruptcy. Here people take to the streets of Reykjavik in November 2008 to protest against the government.

China is suffering from the collapse in demand for consumer goods. Here laid-off workers protest in a toy factory in Guangdong province.

Detroit has been one of the US cities hardest hit by the recession. Here people wait in line for handouts of food and other items in December 2008.

Fiddling while Rome burns: Stokebrokers at New York Stock Exchange sing "Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie," a Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve tradition.