Budget deficit rose in December and is now 40% higher than it was a year ago
1. US Treasury reports December budget deficit of $86.7 billion. 2. Fiscal quarter deficit is 39.4% larger than last year. 3. Rising national debt surpasses $36 trillion amid increased financing costs. 4. 10-year Treasury yield has surged near 4.8%, impacting investment sentiment. 5. Government interest payments are projected to exceed $1.2 trillion this year.