By Edward Kean
Washington, June 21 (BridgeNews) - The U.S. current account deficit narrowed to a seasonally adjusted $109.6-billion in the first quarter, narrowing from the record fourth-quarter trade gap of $116.3 billion, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
Commerce revised the current account deficit for the fourth quarter from the previously reported record of $115.3 billion.
The current account, the broadest measurement of U.S. worldwide transactions, comprises goods and services trade, investment income and foreign aid payments.
The current account deficit has widened sharply in recent years, stirring concern over whether foreigners will remain willing to invest in U.S. financial assets. But the value of the dollar has remained strong despite the widening current account deficit as foreign individuals continue to find attractive investment opportunities in the U.S.
Nonetheless, some Fed officials and private economists have expressed concern that the dollar may eventually fall due to the widening trade deficit, which could lead to higher inflation and higher interest rates.