The U.S. trade deficit was $70.3 billion in December, up $17.3 billion from $53 billion in November, the Commerce Department said. December exports were $287.3 billion, up $5 billion from the previous month. Imports were $357.6 billion, up $12.3 billion.
For 2025, the trade deficit decreased $2.1 billion, or 0.2%, from 2024.
Corporate bond yields for both investment-grade and high-yield issuers have trended downward since mid-2025.
The White House proposed a series of regulatory changes and rollbacks to expand access to mortgages and spur new housing construction.
A federal court has tossed two Justice Department subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell after finding that “a mountain of evidence” exists to suggest the subpoenas were issued to pressure the Fed into lowering interest rates.
OFAC has authorized Russian oil exports through April 11 to ease pressure on rising fuel prices following the start of military operations in Iran.
A recent study of community development financial institution small-dollar loans to microbusinesses found that most borrowers improved their business outcomes, although some entrepreneurs struggled with managing their debt.
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index decreased 1.9% in March compared to the month prior, landing at 55.5, according to preliminary results for the month.
