|

US: Current-account deficit increased to $124.1 billion Q1 of 2018 from $116.1 billion

"The U.S. current-account deficit increased to $124.1 billion (preliminary) in the first quarter of 2018 from $116.1 billion (revised) in the fourth quarter of 2017," the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced on Wednesday.

Key takeaways from the original publication

  • The deficit was 2.5 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter, up from 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter.
  • The $8.0 billion increase in the current-account deficit reflected an $8.1 billion increase in the deficit on goods and relatively small and nearly offsetting changes in the balances on services, primary income, and secondary income.
  • Exports of goods and services and income receipts increased $23.0 billion in the first quarter to $913.4 billion.

Author

Eren Sengezer

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

More from Eren Sengezer
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD recovers toward 0.7000 amid improving mood

AUD/USD is firming up toward 0.7000 in Asia on Tuesday, helped by improving market mood. A pause in the US Dollar rebound also aids the pair's upside. However, geopolitical risks and caution ahead of AI tech earnings report could limit the pair.

USD/JPY flatlines near 158.50 as markets seek direction

USD/JPY steadies around 158.50 in the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. Traders prefer to wait on the sidelines ahead of Japan’s National Consumer Price Index inflation data later on Friday. Meanwhile, elevated US bond yields provide some support to the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen.

Gold bounces back, remains depressed

Gold (XAU/USD) drifts lower on Tuesday, down for a third consecutive day, but losses remain limited. Market participants are watching Oil prices and the Middle East for direction.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP tick lower amid mixed ETF flows

Bitcoin is trading above $81,000 on Tuesday, aligning with a lethargic tone in the broader cryptocurrency market. Altcoins, including Ethereum and Ripple, reflect Bitcoin’s lock-step price action, trading below $2,400 and $1.30, respectively.

Markets at a turning point: Bitcoin, Gold, FX and Tech react to a heavy macro week

The new trading week opens with a mixed but revealing picture across global markets. Indices, commodities, FX, tech stocks, and cryptocurrencies are all sending one message: risk appetite is alive, but it is cautious, selective, and highly sensitive to macro signals.

The US Dollar fell. Gold didn't rally. That tells you everything
Gold (XAU/USD) is struggling to capitalize on a weaker US Dollar (USD), after repeatedly failing to establish itself above the $4,200 level. The precious metal remains confined to a relatively narrow trading range despite a combination of developments that would normally support higher prices.