OREANDA-NEWS  On 31 October was announced, that according to the National Bank of Ukraine, the current account (CA) deficit increased by USD 0.9bn, m/m to USD 8.4bn in 9M2008. While the merchandise trade deficit rose by USD 1.4bn, m/m to USD 12.3bn mainly due to slower export growth (up 51.5% y/y, in 9M2008 to USD 54.1bn) over the growth of imports (57.5%, y/y to USD 66.4bn). At the same time foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by USD 8.9bn in 9M2008 (USD 8.1bn in 8M2008), 45% of which was directed to the banking and financial sectors. Overall, the balance of payments resulted in a surplus of USD 6.3bn.