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US Trade Deficit Hits $40.2 Billion as Imports Increase

The U.S. trade deficit widened unexpectedly in December to $40.2 billion dollars, the Commerce Department said on Wednesday in a monthly report.

Wall Street analysts surveyed before the report had expected the trade deficit to narrow to $36 billion.

The growth was attributed to a sharp gain in imports. The number compares to a revised $36.4 billion for November.

Stock index futures held at levels just below fair market value following the data release.

US Treasurys were slightly higher in price from late Tuesday.