As 2008 draws to a close, people are looking forward to a break and some levity over the festive season. However, in the back of everyone's mind, they are worried about 2009, writes ninemsn Money commentator Mark Westfield.
The financial crisis that has transfixed the world over the past five months has its roots in the subprime crisis that began plaguing world markets in 2007.
Nothing demonstrates the unprecedented events of this year better than interest rates.
ninemsn readers were a vocal group this year and our debates and forums allowed them to share their thoughts with the world.
There's no doubt 2008 will be remembered among investors and market watchers as one of the worst on record. After enjoying double-digit returns for some years, it was downhill all the way this year.
Join Nine Network finance editor Ross Greenwood as he reports on what will be remembered as the worst year for global finance since the Great Depression.