The U.S. Treasury Department released its federal budget data on Friday. The budget deficit decreased to $64.4 billion in August, down from a deficit of $149.2 billion in July.

The budget deficit declined due to shifts in the timing of certain benefit payments.

In the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2015, which ends at September this year, the budget deficit totalled $530 billion, 10% lower than a year ago.