CBS Investment

Russian foreign trade turnover in January-April 2009 decreased by 45.3% compared to that of the same period last year and amounted to $ 124.3 billion, says the message of the Federal Customs Service. Foreign trade turnover with foreign countries amounted to $ 106.3 billion (down 45.1%), and with the CIS countries – 18 billion (down 46.5%).

The trade balance was positive in the amount of $ 31.3 billion, which is $ 38.8 billion less than that in January-April 2008. In the trade with foreign countries the balance was equal to $ 24.7 billion (down 34 billion dollars), and with the CIS countries – 6.6 billion dollars (a decrease of 4.8 billion dollars). Export of the Russian Federation in January-April 2009 amounted to $ 77.8 billion as against that of January-April 2008 – a decrease by 47.7%, including export to foreign countries – $ 65.5 billion (down by 48, 1%), and the CIS countries – $ 12.3 billion (down by 45.4%).

The drop in housing values in the 20 largest U.S. cities in March exceeded forecasts. According to the index S & P / Case-Shiller, the decline in the prices became 18.7% compared with that of March 2008. Analysts of the agency Bloomberg predicted reduction index of home prices to an average of 18.3%. Prices have decreased greatly especially in Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Experts note that a record number of deprivations of property rights contributes to a fall in housing prices and makes it more accessible. In this regard, the rate of sales decline is slowing, and perhaps it will eventually stabilize, experts add.