Durable Goods Orders Tumble Badly in August

WASHINGTON — The August durable goods data was far weaker than expected, hinting at struggles in the manufacturing sector.

August durables orders fell 0.1%. Excluding transportation, durable orders decreased the same amount, the first drop since April. Meanwhile, the sector also fell 0.1% when military production is taken into account.

Boeing had 127 new orders, up from 115 in July, a 10% gain. The Commerce Department reported a 23.5% rise for new civilian aircraft orders. New orders for military aircraft posted a 22.5% jump.

Airplanes and computers climbing 1.3% and electronics posting the same increase were the few signs of strength.

Most areas were weak, including autos at an 8.5% decline. Primary metals fell 0.8%, fabricated metals dropped 0.5%, and machinery posted up 0.1%. July orders levels were revised lower.

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