The document summarizes the global economic recession and provides an outlook for the US and global economies. It notes that the recession began in the US and spread internationally, with falling global demand. The US economy is expected to experience a sharp contraction, with declines in housing, consumer spending and business investment. Government stimulus policies are intended to help stabilize financial markets and boost demand. The outlook calls for continued declines in early 2009, but a gradual recovery beginning in late 2009, led initially by the US economy.