Trade gap in August widens to six-month high as exports fall

The U.S. trade deficit in goods in August widened to a seasonally adjusted $75.8 billion, according to a preliminary report released by the Census Bureau that excludes services. Exports fell 1.6% while imports rose 0.7% in what looks to be the worst showing since February. Retail inventories rose 0.8% and wholesale inventories increased 0.7%. While the widening trade gap should reduce third-quarter GDP, the increase in inventories may offset that. Read more here