Budget deficit increases

The federal government ran a record budget deficit in November, putting Uncle Sam on track to post an annual shortfall of at least $1 trillion -- also a record.

In just the first two months of the budget year that started Oct. 1, the deficit totaled $401.6 billion, nearly matching the $455 billion posted for all of last year, according to Treasury Department data. If the deficit tops $1 trillion for the current budget year, it also would be a post-World War II high when measured as a percentage of the economy.

The increased red ink stems from lower tax revenue and increased spending, both related to the recession.