Demand for durable goods jumps 3.4% in February

Some surprisingly good news. Some recent economic numbers are pointing to a leveling out of the economic contraction. More positive reports and it may be safe to say the worst may be over.-Lou

Demand for durable goods jumps 3.4% in February

First gain after six monthly declines surprises economists


WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Demand for machinery and other capital goods rose in February, driving orders for durable goods up 3.4%, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

The unexpected rise in orders for big-ticket items marked the first increase after six straight monthly drops, an indication that domestic demand may have bottomed.

Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had been looking for total orders to fall 1.2%. See Economic Calendar.
The monthly durable-goods figures, although extremely volatile, are seen as key leading indicators for tracking the path of economic growth

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