Economic news is light this morning, with only the Commerce Department reporting that the U.S. trade balance with the rest of the world plunged by 29% to $40.4 billion in November on a record decline in oil prices and much weaker demand for imports. Economists had expected the deficit to come in at $50 billion.
Imports plunged a record 12% to $183.2 billion, the lowest level in 2.5 years, as the average price of imported petroleum dropped by $25.30 a barrel to $66.72. Exports fell 5.8% to $142.8 billion, led by weakening foreign demand for industrial supplies and capital goods.
October's trade gap was revised lower to $56.7 billion from $57.2 billion.
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