Durable-goods orders increase slightly in September

U.S. factory orders for durable goods—items meant to last at least three years—rose 0.2 percent in September. The gain was less than the 0.5 percent increase predicted by economists.

According to U.S. Department of Commerce data, growth was held back because of a sharp fall in commercial aircraft orders. Most of the gain was attributed to a demand for communications equipment.

Durable goods orders for August were revised down from an earlier reported 0.3 percent fall to 0.6 percent.

September marked the third increase in the past six months. Orders were up 1.9 percent in July and 1.3 percent in June.

Excluding the transportation equipment sector, orders increased 1.7 percent September after a 2.8 percent increase the previous month.