US: International trade deficit widened to $54.9 billion in August

• International trade balance widened more than expected in August.
• US Dollar Index recovers toward the 99 handle.

The United States (US) Bureau of Economic Analysis on Friday reported that the goods and services deficit was $54.9 billion in August, up $0.9 billion from $54.0 billion in July. This reading was worse than the market expectation for a deficit of $54.5 billion.

"August exports were $207.9 billion, $0.5 billion more than July exports," the press release read. "August imports were $262.8 billion, $1.3 billion more than July imports."

Despite this uninspiring reading, the US Dollar Index erased its daily losses and was last flat on the day at 98.91.