The current account measures the United States' international trade balance in goods, services, and unilateral transfers on a quarterly basis. The levels of exports, imports and the current account indicate trends in foreign trade. Why Investors Care
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Highlights
The nation's current account gap widened slightly to $192.6 billion in the first quarter from $187.9 billion in the fourth quarter. The data included favorable revisions to prior years. Buying of Treasuries remained strong in the first quarter at a net $45.6 billion though this important category is likely to show weakness in the second quarter as foreign nations, led by China, appear to be diversifying their assets.
The U.S. current account deficit narrowed in the fourth quarter to $195.8 billion vs. $229.4 billion in the third quarter. The goods & services gap narrowed sharply to $178.6 billion vs. the third quarter's $201.4 billion. Another plus, private foreign investors were big purchasers of U.S. Treasuries in the quarter.
Current account Consensus Forecast for Q107: -$201.0 billion
Range: -$208.7 billion to -$193.8 billion
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