OREANDA-NEWS. On 10 April 2009 was announced, that US foreign trade deficit collapsed to its 9-year low. In February 2009, the US foreign trade deficit collapsed 28% to \\$26 bn, which is the 9-year low. The reason for this record-breaking decline in the deficit became a low demand for cars, toys and electronics made in Asian countries. This February, the US imports fell 5.1% to \\$152.7 bn, which the lowest figure since September 2004. Meanwhile the exports grew 1.6% to \\$126.8 bn.

The jobless rate in the US updates its records. The number of US citizens obtaining welfare reached its new record level of 5.84 mn during the week ended March 29. We would like to remind that in the preceding week it was 5.75 mn. The number of people that applied for welfare for the first time reduced to 654 thousand in the week ended April 5.

Bank of England preserved its interest rate at its former level. April 9, Bank of England preserved its base interest rate at 0.5% p.a., which is the minimum since 1694. Besides, the UK central bank announced about a program for assets buy out for £75 bn to fight recession in the country economy.

PFTS wins back its previous decline. On April 9, on PFTS there were made 110 deals with the Ukrainian companies shares for the total of UAH 4.4 mn. The PFTS index demonstrated a significant growth by 5.81% to 279.88 points.