Traders at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, as markets swing wildly amidst uncertainty in the banking sector. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts, were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

Ben Bernanke, chairman and member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, talks with vice-chairman Donald L. Kohn, after intervening to rescue troubled investment bank Bear Stearns. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

A man walks outside the New York Stock Exchange, the day that shares in Bear Stearns bank fell by some 50%. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

People queue for free food distribution in Cleveland, Ohia. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

By the end of March 2008 some streets in East Cleveland, Ohio, were almost completely boarded up. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

Warnings and final eviction notices are lined up for enforcement at a county sheriff's office in Cleveland, Ohio. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

Family and friends help a woman move out her possessions after foreclosure in Cleveland, Ohio. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

Detective Robert Kole of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office enters a home, following mortgage foreclosure and eviction in Cleveland, Ohio. He needs to check that the owners have vacated the premises, and that no weapons have been left lying around. Officers go in at gunpoint as a precaution, as many houses have been vandalized or occupied by squatters or drug addicts. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

A couple at risk of losing their home shop to a careful budget in Cleveland, Ohio. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

Johnny Nicholson (40) looks for work as a welder or auto mechanic at an employment office in Cleveland, Ohio. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

A shopping mall in Cleveland, Ohio, is all but deserted. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

A man gestures outside the New York Stock Exchange on the day that shares in Bear Stearns bank fell by some 50%. Towards the end of 2007, the severity of losses to US banks incurred over sub-prime mortgages was beginning to emerge. In the first months of 2008, rising interest rates together with increasing unemployment and a slowdown in the housing market, meant that many borrowers could no longer afford payments on their homes. Banks involved heavily in such debts were threatened with collapse. In the following months the financial crisis spread worldwide.

World Press Photo of the Year,World Press Photo of the Year