In the wake of the global financial crisis and its regulatory consequences, the diverse contributions the big banks make to Switzerland's economic prosperity are taking a back seat. This article describes the main direct and indirect effects of these banks' activities on the Swiss economy.

A new community playground, one of five that has been sponsored by Credit Suisse's 2007 Holiday Charity Initiative, opened in September 2008. The playground is the result of employee donations and a unique public/private partnership with New York City and the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit land conservation organization.

The ongoing financial crisis affects all countries through various channels: Most directly via the credit crunch, which gridlocked money and credit markets, but also through export links and the loss of purchasing power. The extent to which countries suffer from the crisis, varies significantly. Israel is a country that could be less vulnerable.

With a new climate treaty about to be concluded in Copenhagen this December, many investors and businesspeople are eagerly awaiting binding rules so that their money can be securely and profitably invested in technologies to reduce CO2.

Investor psychology is a significant driver of all equity bubbles, giving each one similar attributes. In typical cycles, optimists and skeptics are adequately balanced. However, in bubble cycles, skeptics largely exit the markets, leaving optimists to push asset values to excessive levels.

Eight months and seven cities after its launch, a global tour of the Credit Suisse international "Art & Entrepreneurship" exhibition reached it finale in London on November 24 with a charity auction of pieces from the show, contributed by some of the world's most noteworthy new artists.

For years, unemployment, health insurance premiums and retirement provisions have headed the top ten concerns identified in the Worry Barometer survey commissioned by the Credit Suisse Bulletin since 1976 – and the same is true this year. A new feature is the significant rise in concern about money losing its value.

The fifth "Swiss Identity" survey, conducted in addition to the Worry Barometer, has yielded consistent results. The public is reacting cautiously in terms of its underlying attitude toward current problems and media debates. This provides grounds for optimism regarding 2009.

Gymnastics, cycling, Alpine skiing, tennis, judo and handbiking were among the varied disciplines featured at this year's Credit Suisse Sports Awards. Gymnast Ariella Käslin was named Sportswoman of the Year, and the Sportsman of the Year award went to racing cyclist Fabian Cancellara. Skier Lara Gut was the top newcomer.

The Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching honors lecturers in the field of higher education who go the extra mile on behalf of the students that they teach. With this award, the Credit Suisse Foundation aims to promote exceptional teaching and enhance Switzerland's position as a center of excellence for scholarship and research.

At the London Metal Exchange, the method of trading remains just as it was 130 years ago. In five-minute sessions, frenzied traders cry out their bids and thereby negotiate global market prices for aluminum, copper, zinc and nickel, as well as tin and lead alloys.

Together with the Swiss Venture Club, Credit Suisse organized the high-profile event "Life Science Cluster Basel – How Does the Regional Economy Benefit?" at the new Novartis Campus.

To attract younger concert goers, many concert halls offer reasonable ticket prices. But that is not enough. This is why Swiss orchestras are actively involved in projects introducing children to the world of classical music, be it family concerts, mentoring or projects with school classes. And the target audience loves it.

Amid fears over worsening economic prospects, oil prices have fallen dramatically. But prices could soon bounce back, says Mark Flannery, Head of Global Energy Research at Credit Suisse. At some point we have to substitute oil. The US might become a leading power in the struggle to find alternatives.

Every day, wholesalers and retailers end up removing produce from their shelves because it has passed its sell-by date. However, much of it is still perfectly edible and well within its use-by date. The Schweizer-Tafeln project aims to rescue as much of this surplus produce as possible and distribute it to those in need.

European food manufacturers have, so far, proved to be resilient to the global economic slowdown. Credit Suisse research analyst, Olivier P. Müller explains why this is the case.

Two 30-year-old scientists, Anat Frydman-Marom and Carsten Sachse, have been commended for their outstanding work in the field of Alzheimer's research, having received the Empiris Award for Research in Brain Diseases from the Empiris foundation – which is supported by Credit Suisse.

The German violinist, Arabella Steinbacher, will perform Alban Berg's moving violin concerto together with l'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande on December 5. In an interview, she explains what is so special about this piece, why she doesn't practice more than four hours per day and what her future plans are.

Imagine a world in which every citizen had access to the internet. What might seem like a pipe dream could soon become reality thanks to satellite technology. Alongside internet giants like Google, leading satellite operators are working to make the internet universally available. These projects also provide opportunities for investors.

Renewable energies and environmental protection have become big business. This is much to the delight of Greenpeace boss Gerd Leipold, who has been calling on politicians to establish a framework that will help reduce energy consumption. In this interview, he highlights the opportunities that long-term investments can bring.

Barack Obama comes from the left side of the US political spectrum, but campaigned very much in the center. The first 100 days will be crucial to measure if his administration actually moves left, with regard to economic, defense, education, health care and other policies, or chooses to build a coalition near the center.

Is St. Gallen set to become the new stronghold for the national team? At 8:30 pm on Wednesday, November 19 this theory will be put to the test. Come and experience the special atmosphere at the AFG Arena during the game against Finland.

Volker Krajewski has been President of the SwissPGA for six years. In his role as President and as a passionate player of golf himself, he is single-mindedly driven to "Make Golf a Better Game." He answers your golfing questions in Credit Suisse’s Online Forum.

Marcel Schuler, Head of Banking Products & Support, explains how Credit Suisse's mortgage products reflect our commitment to a sustainable approach to natural resources.

The team, led by BMW Motorsports Director Mario Theissen has every reason to be pleased. In its third season in F1, the team has become a third force to be reckoned with. In Montreal, Robert Kubica earned the first-ever victory for his team, which was still in the hunt for the world championship title with three races remaining.

Some hedge fund managers specialize in distressed debt and turnaround strategies. Credit Suisse's fund of fund manager Marko Sobic explains how such strategies work and whether they are still interesting when the broad financial markets drop.

In the middle of the 1970s, economic scientist Muhammad Yunus realized that microfinance could be an effective tool in the fight against poverty. As a result, both he and his Grameen Bank went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Yunus is now making the case for social business enterprises.

The works of art featured in the Credit Suisse Art and Entrepreneurship traveling exhibition will be auctioned on November 24 in London, with half of the proceeds going to the artists and the other half to the charity Room to Read. Bids can also be submitted via the website www.artandentrepreneurship.

Pierre Schreiber, who is Secretary to the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse and openly gay, is chairman of the Credit Suisse network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual employees, which was founded in March. In the interview he talks about the aims and purpose of a network of this kind within a bank.

An unusual building has been completed in Feusisberg. It is one of the first in Switzerland to combine residential and commercial sections in line with the pioneering minimum energy building standard. And it's not only the building that's unusual, but also the owner – a Swiss showbiz star who is best known in Las Vegas.

Following four World Cup 2010 qualifiers in South Africa, Switzerland is sitting out the winter in third place with seven points. The team's coach, Hitzfeld, played 21 different players, with Stephan Grichting, Benjamin Huggel and Blaise N’Kufo emerging surprisingly as three of the key men in the team.

Although the qualifying may have been disappointing in Shanghai, the race yielded some pleasing results for the BMW Sauber team. Nick Heidfeld finished fifth, with Robert Kubica right behind him in sixth.

Nick Heidfeld has been on the receiving end of much criticism this season. But in Shanghai he once again showed what he can do. The BMW Sauber driver immediately made up for his time penalty in qualifying. He also came close to setting the fastest lap, despite wanting to take it easy on his motor.

Lewis Hamilton chalked up a convincing victory in Shanghai to establish a comfortable lead heading into the season's finale in Brazil. Following a poor qualifying, both BMW Sauber drivers maximized their efforts on race day.

The race weekend in Japan was once again a very successful one for the BMW Sauber team. View a series of pictures from the race weekend.

Hollywood action idol Sylvester Stallone, aka Rocky and Rambo, was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his four-decade long contribution to film. He arrived in Switzerland on September 26 to personally accept the Golden Icon Award at this year's Zurich Film Festival and to meet film students the following day.

With a second-place finish, Robert Kubica has made up some serious ground in the Formula One world championship. Two races before season's end, the BMW Sauber driver sits just six points behind Massa, and 12 points behind Hamilton. While Nick Heidfeld didn't pick up any points in his 150th grand prix start, he has now managed to bring his car home safely in 18 consecutive races.

20 short films on the subject of disability were the focus of a film festival organized by Procap. Under the direction of Fredi M. Murer, the five-person jury conferred the Credit Suisse look & roll award on the film "Rendez-vous" from Polish director Marcin Janos Krawczyk. Credit Suisse is also supporting the festival through volunteer work.

As the President and CEO of Women's World Banking, the world's largest network of microfinance institutions and banks, Mary Ellen Iskenderian has seen the dreams of many poor business people – mainly women – realized. By giving women access to working capital, WWB fuels economic and social progress.

The Swiss U-21 team will face Spain in the European Championship play-off. Coach Pierre-André Schürmann talks about the mental strength of his team and his recipe for success when playing the favorites.