Change: July trade gap widens as exports to Europe slump

The U.S. trade deficit grew slightly in July, a small bit of negative news for the U.S. economy, as exports to Germany, France and other European nations shrank and imports from China soared to a new record.

The monthly trade shortfall was $42 billion, compared to a downwardly revised estimate of $41.9 billion for June, as both overall imports and exports declined. Via the chicagotribune.com.