. operating expenses decreased 9% ( 9 % ) in 2009 , mainly driven by lower compensation and lower volumes and transaction expenses , partially offset by costs associated with the u.s . government loss-sharing agreement , which citi exited in the fourth quarter of 2009 . provisions for credit losses and for benefits and claims increased $ 1.5 billion , primarily driven by $ 4.5 billion in increased net credit losses , partially offset by a lower reserve build of $ 3.0 billion