WASHINGTON — U.S. demand for long-lasting manufactured goods rose sharply in December, helped by a strong gain in volatile aircraft orders.
But companies slowed orders for computers and other goods that signal investment plans, indicating manufacturing will stay weak in 2013.
The Commerce Department said Monday that overall orders for durable goods increased 4.6 percent in December.
The gains were led by a 56.4 percent increase in military aircraft orders and a 10.1 percent increase in commercial aircraft orders.
Read more in tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.