U.S. trade deficit falls as exports rise for sixth straight month

The nation's trade deficit unexpectedly plunged another 7.6% to $32.9 billion in October, as exports -- aided by the weaker dollar -- rose for the sixth straight month, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Thursday.

A Bloomberg News economists survey had expected the trade deficit to total $36.4 billion in October. It hit a revised $35.7 billion in September, down from the previously released $36.5 billion.