Definition:
This report measures the difference between exports and imports of
Importance:
Imports and exports are important components of aggregate conomic activity, representing approximately 14 and 12 percent of GDP respectively. Typically, stronger exports are bullish for corporate earnings and the stock market. Changes in trade balance with particular countries can have implications for foreign exchange and policy with that trading partner, so this report is also important for investors who are interested in diversifying globally.
Source:
The Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce.
Availability:
Around the 19th of the month at
Frequency:
Monthly.
Revisions:
Data for the prior three months are revised monthly to incorporate more complete information. New seasonal adjustment factors are introduced in July. This revision affects at least three years worth of data. Its significance is small.
Raw Data:
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/press.html
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