As the world greets the new year, the customary sense of hope for the future is at an elevated level. Because 2008 was such a tumultuous year in so many ways, most people are clinging to the belief that 2009 has to be better.

For most Americans, at least on the economic front, 2008 recalls a Latin phrase used by Queen Elizabeth to describe a particularly difficult year in the early 1990s — "annus horibilus." Most people would agree that 2008 was a horrible year.

Heading into the final months of the year, the general mood of the country seemed to be that 2008 could not end soon enough.

In the United States and around the world, people are hoping that financial markets stabilize and economic conditions strengthen in 2009.

The world also is hoping for more signs of hope in the war on terror and the military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The progress in Iraq remains fragile, and the worsening conditions in Afghanistan pose a serious challenge. And beyond the military front, the December terrorist attacks in India were a shocking reminder that terror remains a global threat.

In Africa, the world witnessed another year of deprivation, violence, famine, disease and corruption. People the world over no doubt are hoping for some rays of hope that that continent and its long-suffering people will see better days in 2009.

In the United States, the worst stock market declines since the Great Depression, as well as unprecedented financial crises from Wall Street to Main Street, dominated the news, at least in the second half of 2008.

For 2009, the universal hope is for a return of stability and slow, sustainable growth in the economy as well as in the stock markets. The economic pain of 2008 came from a combination of rapidly declining house prices in some markets, a slowing economy in most of the country, and stock market declines of up to 40 percent.

All investors, including employees with 401(k) accounts, are hoping that the predictions of some recovery beginning in 2009 will hold true.

Beyond the hope for economic recovery and healthier investments, most people are hoping there will be accountability for those found to be responsible for the financial crisis, including mortgage lenders, federal regulators, bankers, investment banks and even members of Congress responsible for oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and other parts of the domestic financial system. Americans will be counting on government officials and the criminal justice system to fully investigate and then bring charges where appropriate for all the financial malfeasance witnessed in 2008.

Despite the desire for punishment for those responsible for the financial crises of 2008, greed alone is not illegal. Because of that, many Americans are hoping 2009 will bring a higher standard of ethics and morality in reaction to the many business and government leaders who demonstrated their failings in 2008.

Pennsylvania's own scandals of Bonusgate and the corruption trial of state Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, offer hope that the culture in Harrisburg will change.

Following a year as troubling as 2008 and heading into a new, uncharted year finds most people harboring feelings of hope and a deep desire for positive change. In the 2008 presidential race, Barack Obama's campaign themes of hope and change turned out to be perfectly in tune with the mood of the country. Over the course of the year, voters came to believe that Obama's political philosophy appeared to match his campaign slogans for change and hope, and embraced him in a historic election.

Obama's election, combined with the sense that the worst of the financial crisis is behind us, have created this year's unusually strong desire for hope and change in the new year.

There are huge challenges facing Obama, the United States and the world. But with the arrival of the new year there also is a sense that these challenges can be met and managed.

Thankfully, 2008 is behind us. Here's to change — and hope that 2009 will be a better year.