WASHINGTON — U.S. companies ordered more long-lasting goods last month, showing businesses are willing to buy equipment and machinery even after an investment tax credit was halved. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders for durable goods rose 2.2 percent ...

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WASHINGTON — Orders to U.S. factories rose in December, supported by a rebound in business investment in capital goods such as heavy machinery. The results cap off another strong year for U.S. manufacturing. Combined with strong figures released Thursday on ...

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October to its lowest point of the year after Americans bought fewer foreign cars and imported less oil. The shrinking trade gap boosted growth over the summer and may do so again ...

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WASHINGTON — Companies decreased their overall orders to U.S. factories in October for the second straight month, evidence that the economy remains weak despite other signs of improvement. The Commerce Department said Monday that total factory orders fell 0.4 percent. ...

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WASHINGTON — Businesses cut back on orders for aircraft, autos, heavy machinery and computers in June, sending demand for long-lasting manufactured goods lower for the second month in the past three. Orders for durable goods fell 2.1 percent last month, ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. factories orders fell in February, as the government cut demand for military planes and communications equipment while businesses bought fewer computers, turbines and power generators. The Commerce Department says orders to U.S. factories slipped 0.1 percent in ...

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