As Orthodox Jews, we know to always look for G-d's hidden messages in every life event. G-d is everywhere, at 
What conclusions can we draw from the various components of the world's ever-increasing financial meltdown?
every time. He seeks to educate us through the instructions contained in the Torah, both Written (Five Books of Moses) and Oral (Talmud), as well as through the events of daily life.
If an Orthodox Jew slips on a pebble, he will often not just resolve to avoid unstable pebbles, he will hopefully ask himself: "Why did that happen? What message is G-d sending to me?" Those of higher spiritual awareness live in a world of continual communication from a G-d whose messages they wish to hear.
Alternatively, those who wish to imagine that they are in control, that they are independent from G-d, will fanatically avoid hearing G-d's messages, even when blatantly obvious. They want to be able to say, "I did it my way."
What conclusions can we draw from the various components of the world's ever-increasing financial meltdown? Don't lend to those who can't afford to pay back? Don't let yourself be fooled by improbably high returns? Watch out for the effects of greed on those who "hold the purse strings" and upon those who are supposed to regulate them? Indubitably. G-d made the world in a way that requires us to protect ourselves. So being prudent and watchful is also a means of listening to Him. But what else is He telling us? Are there messages we would rather ignore?
How do you imagine G-d views the materialistic consumer lifestyle? Could the pursuit of economic success interfere with our real purpose in being on this planet?
Will we find ways to solve the problem - in this case the economic crisis - without hearing His messages? Will He need to send more severe messages in order to "wake us up"?
What about the security situation? We are required to protect ourselves in an effective and timely manner. We see the news and it captures our attention. We have great concern for those who are in danger and those risking their lives. We pray for their success and safety. But what is the message? Shall we win the battle of security, but lose the war of hearing the messages G-d is sending us?
What is the message? Hard to say, as we are not prophets. Still, the prophets and G-d Himself, in the Torah, have given us guidelines. We are all supposed to follow G-d's commandments. Those who already follow His commandments are required to be constantly striving for higher levels in their service of G-d. 
Do we want to hear Him?
There is a famous saying: "There are no atheists in foxholes." By putting us all into various kinds of "foxholes" is G-d trying to guide us back to Him? He is infinite and has no needs. He gives us the privilege of serving Him through His commandments as the means to come closer to the Radiance of His Splendor. It is solely for our benefit. It is also the reason we are here in this earthly realm. By placing us into real and figurative "foxholes", He ensures that we are not wasting our lives. He ensures that we do not become preoccupied with the "stage scenery" called planet Earth.
The question is: Do we want to hear Him? Or do we want to become consumed with following the news? Will He need to send us ever harsher messages or will we chose to get the message?