U.S. Economy: Trade Deficit, Claims Show Improving Growth

The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in September on record exports and jobless claims fell to a seven-month low, indicating the world’s largest economy may be poised to strengthen.

The trade shortfall shrank 4 percent to $43.1 billion from a revised $44.9 billion in August that was smaller than initially reported, the Commerce Department said in Washington. First-time applications for unemployment benefits declined by 10,000 to 390,000 last week, the Labor Department said.