So, it's not only a local.......or national phenomena.
I read the whole article. (don't do that to me again, thank you).

I've often wondered WHERE the money has gone that has STOPPED the world's economy dead in it's tracks. Is it in the billionaires bonus packages?
Is it the final clampdown or dissolution of the centuries old illegal drug trade? Has the end of easy money laundering crippled the banks?
In their rush to hide those dirty assets, did they actually cause their own collapse? I'm still outraged WE have to pay for it. It's plain to see where the money went.

If there's any hope at all, it's that that "money" gets back on the market and the global drug and arms trade collapses in on itself. Until then, this planet IS Hell on Earth. Hallelujah! Don't expect anyone to save us!😉