How have markets fared in the last three years?

It has been an uncomfortable summer for investors as the credit crisis from 2008 continues to plague markets, this time in the guise of a sovereign debt crisis. But how have markets really coped?

Three years ago today, markets worldwide tumbled after one of the largest investment banks in the US filed for bankruptcy.

Banking stocks across the world took a roasting as markets opened on the following Monday, with HBOS - now part of Lloyds, tumbling 17%, and peers also put through the wringer.

Three years on, global markets are battling with another crisis - this time one caused by overindebted consumers across the Western world, sprawling fiscal deficits, and a lack of political union in Europe.

But how have investors who stuck with stocks throughout the crisis fared?

Below are the percentage gains and losses in major markets and commodities.

FTSE 100 - The UK's blue chip index has been fairly static in the last three years, having been at 5,406 points this time three years ago. Last night it closed at 5,227 points.

FTSE All Share - The wider UK market has fared similarly to the country's largest companies, from 2,734 points back in 2008 to 2,710 points today.

FTSE Small Cap - While smaller companies were more than 20% higher than September 2008 in the summer, August's falls have wiped out much of their gains. From 2,784 points three years ago, the index now stands at 2,891.

S&P 500 - From a close of 1,251 points on the Friday before Lehman collapsed, markets are now 4% lower three years later, at 1,188 points.

Dow Jones Industrial Average - A less bleak picture than its counterpart, the Dow is still lower today than it was when the crisis struck. From a Friday close of 11,421 back on 12 September 2008 - the last close before the turmoil started - it now stands 1.5% lower at 11,246.

Cac 40 - European markets are embroiled in a crisis which has shaken investors' faith to the core, so it is perhaps no surprise they are well below levels seen just before Lehman went under. Compared to the 4,333 it was trading at three years ago, shares are today down 31% at 3.011.

Dax - German shares have held up better than most European counterparts, but are still depressed compared to three years ago. From 6,235 in 2008, today the index is down 13% at 5,447.

Nikkei 225 - Asian markets were shut on that fateful Monday in 2008, but were not immune from shock falls over the next few weeks. Japan's main index is still much lower than its pre-crisis level - although this year's earthquake has had a major impact. Compared to 12,214 points three years ago, it is down 30% at 8,669.

Hang Seng - China's H-share market lists companies which in theory should be driving the world forward as the economic superpower moves to replaces the US as the world's largest economy. This is partly reflected in its performance in the last three years, the index having dipped only marginally. Compared to the pre-Lehman level of 19,352 points, the market is off less than 1%, at 19,181.

Gold - the precious metal has been the standout performer over the last three years as investors flocked to safe havens to protect them from equity market woes and weakening currencies. From a level of $871 back in September 2008, it is now worth $1,816 - making an eye-watering gain of 109% for investors.