Keeping track ...

Rising imports and falling exports led to a $15.49 billion November US trade deficit, the Commerce Department reported.

Increased imports of computer parts, automobiles, and consumer goods made the deficit surge. Still, American exports of civilian aircraft, computer parts, and agriculture goods fell.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress last week that the stock market, "will have difficulty" maintaining its recent performance. The stock market dipped following Mr. Greenspan's comments.