Survey Says? Errrrrt. (or, "ow, my balls!")

Pre-Report Consensus:
The March U.S. Treasury monthly budget report showed a deficit of $192.3 billion. Fiscal stimulus and various bailout plans have pushed federal spending up sharply. Half way through the fiscal year the deficit stands at $956.8 billion, about double the deficit at this time last year. Looking ahead, the month of April typically shows a sizeable surplus. Over the past 10 years, the average April surplus has been $107.7 billion and $84.6 billion over the past 5 years. The April 2008 surplus was $159.3 billion. But in today's economy, past news is only useful for portraying the stark reality of how much federal spending is supporting the economy.

And for dessert? This tasty morsel!

(I so dig the TD).