The impact of the global financial crisis on the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo economy was more severe in 2009 than in 2008. Real gross domestic product (GDP) reached a growth rate of 2.7%, which is 3.5 percentage points below the rate of growth realised in 2008. With the exception of official aid – which increased from $1019 billion in 2008 to $1499 billion in 2009 – most of the potential transmission mechanisms were affected. Trade fell from $125 million in 2008 to $-1467 million in 2009; foreign direct investment (FDI) from $1713 billion to $626 million; and remittances from $212 million to $135 million. Altogether, the impact of the global financial crisis on the overall balance of payments amounted to $-574 million in 2008 and $-413 million in 2009.