Trade Gap Probably Widened as Imports Grew: U.S. Economy Preview

The trade deficit in the U.S. probably widened in December to a six-month high as imports climbed faster than exports, economists said a report this week will show.

The gap grew to $48.5 billion from the $47.8 billion shortfall in November, according to the median of 61 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey ahead of Commerce Department figures on Feb. 10. Consumer sentiment held close to a one-year high and firings were little changed, other reports may show.