In the 1990s, Italy levied a tax on every bank account to stave off the collapse of its lire currency.

NPR: A Look At Cyprus' Decision To Tax Depositors

While official statisticians have sorted out the main defects, irregular bonus payments continue to make the index volatile and largely account for the recent collapse in the growth of earnings.

ECONOMIST: Interest rates

The economy has been hurt by high interest rates and a weak external environment, which has led to a collapse in private investment, coupled with large fiscal and current account deficits.

WSJ: India Cuts Policy Rate

The economy has been hurt by high interest rates and a weak external environment, which has led to a collapse in private investment, coupled with large fiscal and current-account deficits.

WSJ: India Cuts Policy Rate