Much depends on how far an American downturn and the global fall-out from the mortgage bust weakens growth in the rest of the world.

ECONOMIST: Exports and the economy

Politicians heading for the polls in other countries that are feeling the fall-out from global financial turmoil are watching carefully.

ECONOMIST: Spain: Zapatero's bear fight | The

So for some British-based global companies, a fall in sterling isn't the boon it is cut out to be.

BBC: It's trade or bust for Britain

President Barack Obama has been outspoken about the payment of bonuses - when the rest of the country is still suffering from the fall out of the global financial crisis.

BBC: Wall Street sign