U.S. Merchandise Trade Gap Widens to Largest Since 2015

The U.S. merchandise trade deficit reached a more than two-year high in November, while inventories at wholesalers and retailers increased, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Commerce Department.

Demand for the goods remained elevated as U.S. consumers, who are upbeat about the economy, continue to spend. At the same time, companies are boosting investment in equipment, helping explain demand for imported capital goods in November. Imports reached a fresh all-time high last month and will probably remain robust as a report Wednesday showed record-high buying intentions for household goods from refrigerators to carpets and washers.