U.S. durable goods orders decreased 4.2 percent in March

April 25, 2012

New orders for manufactured durable goods in March decreased $8.8 billion or 4.2 percent to $2.2.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced April 25. This decrease, down two of the last three months, followed a 1.9 percent February increase. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 1.1 percent. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 4.6 percent.

Transportation equipment, also down two of the last three months, had the largest decrease, $7.1 billion or 12.5 percent to $49.7 billion. This was due to nondefense aircraft and parts, which decreased $7.7 billion.

Nondefense new orders for capital goods in March decreased $8.6 billion or 10.5 percent to $73.0 billion. Shipments increased $1.4 billion or 2.0 percent to $72.8 billion. Unfilled orders increased $0.2 billion or slightly to $566.1 billion. Inventories increased $1.7 billion or 1.0 percent to $174.7 billion.

The complete report can be found here .