SPY•The US goods trade deficit widened 2.1% to $134.9 billion in September, above economists’ $130.2 billion forecast, as imports increased. Goods imports rose to $344.1 billion and exports to $209.2 billion.
The US goods trade shortfall increased $2.8 billion to $134.9 billion in September, the Census Bureau said. Goods imports rose $8.1 billion to $344.1 billion, while exports climbed $5.3 billion to $209.2 billion.
Trade has not contributed to GDP growth for three straight quarters as an AI investment boom pulls in imports, mostly capital goods. The government is scheduled to publish its advance third-quarter GDP estimate on Thursday; economists polled by Reuters forecast annualized growth of 3.2%, with AI investment and consumer spending expected to be key drivers.
