Trade Deficit in U.S. Probably Widened in November on Crude Oil

The U.S. trade deficit probably widened in November as higher oil prices and a growing economy boosted imports faster than exports, economists said before a report today.

The projected $40.5 billion gap would follow a $38.7 billion shortfall in October, according to the median estimate of 71 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Other reports may show the cost of wholesale goods rose in December and initial jobless claims were little changed last week.