U.S. trade deficit widened 8.0% as imports rose and exports fell in September, even as U.S. manufacturing output increased in October by 0.3%. Third-quarter economic growth is estimated to be slightly lower than previously predicted and likewise GDP estimates have also been revised slightly lower. The Department of Labor stated that labor costs fell by 0.6% for the quarter, rising from 0.5% in the second quarter of 2013. The jobless rate was revised up, from 7.2% to 7.3%, and the Department of Labor said that the economy was expected to be sluggish as long as demand for labor remains low.
See "U.S. trade, labor data underscore sluggish economy", Lucia Mutikani, Reuters, November 14, 2013