WASHINGTON — U.S. orders for machinery and other factory goods that signal business investment surged in January, indicating confidence in the economy. The Commerce Department said Wednesday orders for so-called core capital goods, which also include equipment and computers, rose ...

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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 ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. manufacturing grew more slowly in May, hampered weaker hiring and declining production. But a measure of new orders rose to a 13-month high, suggesting factory activity will pick up in June. The Institute for Supply Management, a ...

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WASHINGTON — Demand for U.S. factory goods dropped in March by the most in three years, driven lower by a sharp fall in volatile orders for commercial aircraft. Still, more recent data suggest the decline may be temporary. The Commerce ...

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WASHINGTON — Companies ordered more machinery, computers and communication equipment in August, a positive sign for the slumping U.S. economy. An increase in demand for those kind of longer-lasting factory goods suggests businesses are sticking with their investment plans, despite ...

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WASHINGTON — Businesses requested more airplanes, autos, and oil drilling equipment in May The jump in factory orders after a sluggish spring suggests supply disruptions stemming from the Japan crisis are fading. Factory orders rose 0.8 percent in May, the ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. businesses increased orders for industrial machinery, computers and autos in March, lifting factory orders for the fifth consecutive month. The Commerce Department says orders rose 3 percent in March after a 0.7 percent increase in February. A ...

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