IMF: 2009 global economy just like WWII

With overall global economic growth slowing to a near standstill this year, 2009 will be the most challenging year for economies since World War II, according to an International Monetary Fund report.

The IMF, a global economic organization of 185 countries, says economic growth across the world will fall to just half a percent this year, down from 3.4 percent last year. Financial markets are expected to remain under stress despite many credit-easing actions, until investors and consumers regain confidence.