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Events on Wednesday 2 July 1997 2
1908 – 1997James Stewart (1908-1997)Died 2 July 1997, aged 89James Stewart was an American actor known for films including It's a Wonderful Life, Vertigo, and Rear Window. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Philadelphia Story and received an honorary Oscar in 1985. He also served as a decorated bomber pilot during World War II.
1997Asian financial crisis beginsThailand devalues the baht, triggering regional collapseThailand floated the baht after depleting foreign currency reserves defending its peg to the US dollar, triggering a wave of currency devaluations across Southeast Asia. The crisis spread to Indonesia, South Korea, and other economies, wiping out billions in market value. It prompted large IMF bailout packages across the region.