1.   A large merchandise trade deficit carries risks for the U.S., as shown by the decline of the dollar this year.

2.   A separate government report today showed that the broadest measure of U.S. trade improved during the first quarter even as the merchandise trade deficit widened.

3.   A separate government report released today showed the broadest measure of U.S. trade improved during the first quarter even as the merchandise trade deficit widened.

4.   Stephen Roberts, economist at UBS Australia, said the risk now is that the merchandise trade deficit expands.

5.   The broadest measure of U.S. trade improved during the first quarter even as the merchandise trade deficit widened, the Commerce Department said.

6.   The Commerce Department releases the merchandise trade deficit for August.

7.   The merchandise trade deficit with the Asian nation narrowed during April, May, and June.

8.   The merchandise trade deficit, as a result, has widened considerably in recent years, even surpassing the record level reached a decade ago.

9.   The next negotiating session on auto issues, which account for more than half the merchandise trade deficit, is scheduled to begin Monday in Washington.

10.   In January, Japan posted a merchandise trade deficit for the first time in four years.