Communications, Cars, Defense Boost Factory Orders 1.8%
- Share via
WASHINGTON — Factory orders rebounded by 1.8% in February, boosted by increased demand for automobiles, defense items and communications gear, the Commerce Department said today.
Overall transportation orders were up by 10.4% last month after toppling by 29.4% in January.
The February increase in factory orders, to $231.6 billion, follows a 5.5% decline in January and a modest 0.4% increase in December, the department said.
Excluding defense items, factory orders rose 1.2% last month after a 4.3% fall in January, according to the department’s Census Bureau. Excluding transportation, February orders climbed 0.6% after a 0.9% decline.
Factory shipments climbed by 3.3% in February--the largest gain since 5.4% last August--and unfilled orders declined by 0.5% last month.
More to Read
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
