2009 Financial Events
In 2009, the global recession drove major policy responses. The U.S. Federal Reserve kept interest rates near zero to support recovery. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act aimed to stimulate the economy through spending and tax cuts. For context on the broader economic timeline, see the Federal Reserve history page at https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fedhistory.htm.
2009 Technology Milestones
Smartphone use expanded quickly in 2009. Apple launched the iPhone 3GS, adding video recording and faster performance. Android devices also grew in market share. Social media platforms like Twitter became widely used for real-time updates and news.
2009 Pop Culture Highlights
In film, Avatar became the highest-grossing movie worldwide at the time. In music, Michael Jackson's death in June drew global attention. Television series such as Modern Family and The Vampire Diaries gained large audiences during the year.
