Nov. U.S. budget deficit hits $83 billion

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. budget deficit last month grew by $83 billion, somewhat more than economists had expected.

The Treasury Department said Monday November's budget deficit was $83.059 billion, the largest deficit in any November. Economists had expected the figure to be between $78 billion and $80 billion.

By contrast, the budget deficit in October of this year grew by $47.23 billion, and in November 2004 the deficit went up by $57.9 billion.

Federal spending in November rose by more than 15 percent, while the government's collections increased by just 3.2 percent.