bild

A man enjoys a moment of peace at the Hong Kong's Stock Exchange 23 October, which plunged 10.4 percent to close at 10,426 points after a turbulent day of trade. The index slumped 1,211.47 points at the close, after earlier slipping twice below the crucial psychological 10,000 point level on panic selling amid government efforts to protect the Hong Kong dollar. AFP PHOTO/Stephen SHAVER