Global sharemarket on the rebound

Global markets have shown a recovery after the downturn caused by the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US.

Most major indices had lost between one fifth and one third of their value in the year to 11 September. After the crisis, shares lost 15% worldwide.

By the middle of October, however, most indices have risen above these levels. The outlook is not all pessimistic, not least as central banks are still willing to keep cutting interest rates, with the US Federal Reserve having cut rates by a full point.