Subaru Foresters are lined up in Berlin, Vt. on Feb. 26, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Toby Talbot
January 06, 2014 - 7:25 AM
WASHINGTON - U.S. factories orders climbed in November, led by a surge in aircraft demand. And businesses stepped up spending on machinery, computers and other long-lasting goods that signal investment.
The Commerce Department says factory orders rose 1.8 per cent in November. That follows a 0.5 per cent decrease in October. The index now stands at its highest level on records dating back to 1992.
A 21.8 per cent jump in volatile aircraft orders drove the gains. But orders rose in many other categories, a sign of continued strength at factories and growing confidence among companies.
Core capital goods, which are a proxy for business investment, increased 1 per cent. Economists watch this category closely because it excludes volatile orders for aircraft and defence equipment.
Demand increased for construction machinery, computers, furniture and motor vehicle parts.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014