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
| Released on 3/17/08 For Q4 2007 | ||||||||
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Highlights
The nation's current account deficit totaled $172.9 billion in the fourth quarter, less steep than the $177.4 billion deficit in the third quarter and reflecting foreign interest in U.S. securities. The fourth quarter deficit represents 4.9 percent of GDP, also a bit less severe than prior quarters. Net foreign purchases of Treasuries were up as were foreign purchases of other securities including stocks and corporate bonds. Foreigners sold agency securities, no surprise given the mortgage market collapse. The fourth quarter is definitely very old news but this report does show resilience in foreign financial interest which had wavered in the third quarter. More current data on foreign interest in U.S. securities will be posted at 9:00 a.m. ET this morning with the Treasury International Capital report.
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