Originally Posted by Webby

More than familiar with the terminology...

What I'm actually saying it the US economy is a mess, and, least at this time, is showing very little, if any, prospects of resolving that situation. The trade balance is a massive deficit, loans are being granted by China (at a rate of $2-$4bill/day) and other countries. There are only two trade surplus areas - wheat and arms - all other trading results in a deficit. (There is also a lot more bad news - but too long to type.)

This ultimately is reflected on currency exchange with a constantly lowering of dollar value over a number of years. The flip side to the lower dollar value results in the US paying more for imports - which in turn, simply increases the debt.