Skip to main content

US twin deficits a growing vulnerability

The precarious nature of the outlook for the Federal budget deficit is well appreciated at this stage, but arguably the bigger long-term risk is the mounting current account deficit. With the primary income balance no longer in surplus and the dollar likely to appreciate, it will become even more challenging to keep a lid on net external liabilities, which have already ballooned to more than 80% of GDP.

Become a client to read more

This is premium content that requires an active Capital Economics subscription to view.

Already have an account?

You may already have access to this premium content as part of a paid subscription.

Sign in to read the content in full or get details of how you can access it

Register for free

Sign up for a free account to:

  • Unlock additional content
  • Register for Capital Economics events
  • Receive email updates and economist-curated newsletters
  • Request a free trial of our services


Get access