Orders jump for key U.S. long-lasting factory goods
WASHINGTON — Orders for U.S. factory goods that signal business investment plans jumped last month by the most in more than a year, suggesting companies are confident about their business prospects. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders for so-called core capital goods, which include industrial machinery, construction equipment and computers, rose 6.3 percent in […]
Factory orders fell 0.5 percent in June
WASHINGTON — Companies placed fewer orders with U.S. factories in June from May, signaling further weakness with manufacturing. The Commerce Department said Thursday that factory orders fell 0.5 percent in June, the third decline in four months. Orders for core capital goods, considered a good proxy for business investment, dropped 1.7 percent. Demand fell for […]
U.S. factory orders fall for second straight month
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. September’s modest 0.3 percent increase was also revised to show a 0.1 percent drop. Demand […]
October durable goods orders fell 0.7 percent
WASHINGTON — Business orders for long-lasting manufactured goods fell for a second straight month in October. While much of the weakness came from a big drop in demand for commercial aircraft, a key category that tracks business investment spending fell by the largest amount since January. The Commerce Department says that orders for durable goods […]
Factory orders up in January, helped by airplanes
WASHINGTON — Businesses ordered more manufactured goods from U.S. factories in January, but excluding a big surge in demand for airplanes, the rise in demand was the smallest in three months. The Commerce Department says that excluding the volatile transportation category, orders rose 0.7 percent in January, the weakest showing since October. And a key […]
Durable goods report is good but shows weak spots
WASHINGTON — A surge in demand for commercial aircraft lifted orders for big-ticket manufactured goods in September, but businesses spent less on products that would signal expansion. The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods rose 3.3 percent last month. Overall, it was the best showing since January. But excluding transportation, orders fell 0.8 percent […]