10 years ago. Cars, computers and oil continue to drive the U.S. trade deficit to record levels. The deficit was $68 billion in July-5% more than in June and the largest month-to-month increase in nearly a year. Analysts expected oil prices to widen the deficit to only $65.5 billion in July, but the oil gap proved to be the second-highest on record. U.S. imports from OPEC member nations totaled $14 billion. ... Retail sales hit a two-month low in August as summer gasoline prices put the pinch on consumer wallets. The Commerce Department reports U.S. retailers gained a tiny 0.2% in August, following July's 1.4% increase and June's 0.5% drop. Auto sales were the big loser, edging up just 0.4% following a 4.3% surge in July.
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