The yield curve in 2009 was very low, with short-term rates close to zero and long-term rates below 5 percent. What factors contributed to such low interest rates?

Please refer to table below for the following question.

Jones Company

Financial Information

	December 2009	December 2010
Net Income	$2,000	$4,000
Accounts receivable	750	950
Accumulated depreciation	1,000	1,500
Common stock	4,500	5000
Paid-in capital	7,500	8500
Retained earnings	1,500	3,500
Accounts payable	750	750