Well into the 1990's, on the basis of present policies, many economists project a trade deficit that resists falling much below $100 billion a year.

Congressional economists project a large surplus, while the Administration, in a new study, projects a large deficit.

The surplus with the United States came to nearly $45 billion, and economists are projecting further growth this year.

In advance of this morning's report, most economists were projecting that nonfarm payroll employment rose by 240,000 to 250,000 last month.

Leading up to the report, economists were projecting that retail sales would increase 0.6 percent in March.

The 6.7 percent rise in durable goods orders for March was much stronger than economists had projected.

Although most economists projected an increase in the deficit in May, it was not expected to be so large.

For example, most economists had projected that M-2, which fell very sharply in the week ended Sept. 2, would rise by more than $6 billion.

Most economists were projecting that retail sales were flat in September.

Indeed, Citigroup's economists are projecting a 5 percent increase in the gross domestic product this year.