Source:
CBS MarketwatchWASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The U.S. federal government budget deficit widened to $455 billion in fiscal 2008 as the impact of a slower economy and the extraordinary federal response to the financial crisis took its toll on the public finances. In nominal dollar terms, it was the largest deficit ever, but it was not a record as a proportion of the economy. The deficit widened from 1.2% of gross domestic product in 2007 to 3.2% in 2008, the largest deficit since 3.6% in 2004. The deficit was $162 billion in 2007. Excluding the surplus of $183.3 billion from Social Security and other trust funds, the on-balance deficit soared to $638 billion from $343 billion last year.
09. U.S. 2008 federal outlays hit 21% of GDP, most since 1994
4:01 PM ET, Oct 14, 2008
10. U.S. government borrows $1.04 trillion in 2008
4:01 PM ET, Oct 14, 2008
16. U.S. federal deficit widens to $455 billion, or 3.2% of GDP
4:01 PM ET, Oct 14, 2008
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http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/federal-deficit-rises-455-billion/story.aspx?guid=%7BD0E938F0%2D0A29%2D4159%2D8436%2DE6791869E3AB%7D&dist=hplatest
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