U.S. Trade Deficit Widened in November, Sharp Economic Slowdown in 2012 Fourth Quarter

Deficit driven by imports of consumer goods, which may be a good sign

The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly widened in November due to a surge in imports, pointing to a sharp slowdown in economic growth during the last three months of 2012.

Still, the trade gap's growth was driven by imports of consumer goods, a potentially positive sign for household spending if the gains in imports were not a one-time rebound following a disruptive storm.