U.S. durable goods orders rose 6.1 percent in March

New orders for manufactured durable goods in March increased $13.3 billion or 6.1 percent to $230.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. This was the fifth increase in the last six months and followed a 3.4 percent February increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 2.8 percent. Excluding defense new orders increased 6.0 percent.

Transportation equipment, up five of the last six months, had the largest increase, $9.0 billion or 14.0 percent to $73.3 billion. The increase was led bynondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $8.8 billion.

The complete report from the U.S. Department of Commerce can be found here.