FACTBOX - Global stimulus rescue plans

(Reuters) - Governments have announced fiscal stimulus packages to help the world's economies withstand the effects of the financial crisis.

Below are some details:

* AUSTRALIA:

-- The government has announced a A$10.4 billion (4.6 billion pound) package of cash handouts and family benefits.

-- It is providing A$1.5 billion to boost the housing and home building markets and doubling the grant for first-time home buyers. They will now get A$14,000 from an original A$7,000.

* CHINA:

-- China approved a 4 trillion yuan (395 billion pound) government spending package to bolster demand. The fiscal policy, which runs through 2010, will target investments in roads, railways and airports infrastructure.

-- China also confirmed a change in value added tax (VAT), which will allow companies to deduct the cost of capital equipment, saving them about 120 billion yuan a year.

* GERMANY: