UN predicts significant fall in economic growth

The United Nations has predicted a significant global economic slowdown following the attacks in the United States last month and the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

A UN economic report said the world economy will grow by just 1.4% this year, compared to the predicted rate of 2.4%.

Even before the US attacks, the UN said that figure was optimistic because of the onset of an economic slowdown, but the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said believes that slowdown has been "aggravated and exacerbated" by the events of September 11.