The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened for a second month to the highest level since a record in December as exports dipped.

America’s merchandise trade deficit widened in March for the first time in three months as an increase in imports exceeded the rise in exports.

U.S. employment costs held up at a steady pace in the first quarter as wages firmed, signaling some buildup of inflationary pressures that could still spur pickups in otherwise-muted price gauges.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell, dropping to the lowest since December 1969, as the labor market tightened further.

U.S. companies added the fewest workers in March since late 2017 as construction and manufacturing cut jobs, according to a private report that signals potential weakness in employment ahead of the monthly Labor Department data April 5.

Sales of new U.S. homes rebounded to the best pace in almost a year and exceeded estimates in February, led by the Midwest, as lower mortgage costs helped buyers afford properties.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits have fallen to a two-month low, suggesting the labor market remains healthy in data reflecting revisions going back to 2014.

U.S. new-home groundbreakings fell in February by the most in eight months on a drop in single-family homes, suggesting buyers and builders remain wary despite higher wages and a drop in mortgage rates.

The U.S. posted its biggest monthly budget deficit on record last month, amid falling corporate and individual tax revenue and increasing federal spending.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell more than expected to a four-week low, as the labor market tightens further following the end of a five-week government shutdown.