US current account trade deficit expands to $100.3 billion in third quarter, up 1.9 percent
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.S. current account trade deficit widened slightly in the July-September quarter, largely due to foreign institutions paying less in fines and penalties to the U.S. government.
The Commerce Department says the deficit in the current account rose to $100.3 billion in the third quarter, up 1.9 percent from the revised $98.4 billion deficit in the April-June period.
The increase occurred despite a drop in the trade deficit for goods and services, reflecting cheaper oil prices and a stronger dollar. The deficit widened because fines collected by the U.S. government fell to $27.8 billion from $40.1 billion in the previous quarter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The current account is the broadest measure of trade, covering not only the flow of goods and services but also investment flows.