US markets opened up on Monday, echoing European gains, as the Federal Reserve said it had put an extra $2bn (£994m; 1.5bn euros) into the banking system.

Having finished an 11-hour overnight stint they are replaced by the day shift, who carry on producing the goods, be it Barbie dolls, or Elmo and Big Bird from Sesame Street.

A six-day week will see them earn 1,000 yuan a month (about £65). It is the frontline of what the government here describes as "Communism with Chinese characteristics" and the rest of us understand as globalisation, a booming operation that sees toys moulded, assembled and packaged for sale overseas, at minimum cost delivering maximum profit, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.