Demand for durable goods rose in December, pointing to momentum in U.S. manufacturing as businesses invested in equipment amid an improving global outlook.
Manufacturers' orders for durable goods—items designed to last at least three years—rose 4.6% from November, the Commerce Department said Monday. That was the second-highest monthly increase of 2012.
The rise was fueled by stepped-up spending on aircraft and defense products, two volatile categories that can obscure the real picture. Most other categories also increased, albeit at a slower clip, suggesting higher demand for products including cars and machinery. Excluding transportation ...
Source
The Wall Street Journal