Canada's trade deficit with the rest of the world widened more than expected in the third quarter, as imports were up for a fifth quarter, while exports fell for the first time since the second quarter of 2009. The nation's overall current account deficit widened by C$4.6 billion to reach a high of C$17.5 billion in the third quarter, data from Statistics Canada showed Monday morning. This marks the eighth quarterly deficit since the fourth quarter of 2008. Economists expected a deficit of C$14.9 billion after the shortfall of C$11 billion initially reported for the second quarter. The second quarter deficit was revised to nearly C$13 billion. For a second quarter in row the goods surplus with the United States narrowed by about C$3 billion, as exports to Canada's biggest trading partner declined for the first time in five quarters. Non-resident investors continued to supply large inflows of funds to the economy through a C$28.1 billion investment in Canadian securities, while Canadian investment abroad weakened in the quarter. Foreign investors further increased their holdings of Canadian bonds in the third quarter by C$24.8 billion, with an increased focus on private corporate bonds. Canadian investors' demand for foreign equities continued, with acquisitions of C$4.7 billion in the third quarter. Purchases focused on US stocks, with Canadian mutual funds accounting for the bulk of the purchases.