Factory Orders Rise in September

Washington, DC, Nov. 3, 2011 -- Total factory orders increased for a third straight month in September, edging up 0.3 percent, according to the Commerce Department.

Demand for core capital goods, the category that serves as a proxy for business investment spending, rose 2.5 percent, the largest increase since a 5.4 percent rise in March.

The demand for capital goods reflected significant increases in demand for heavy machinery and computers, the government said and is a positive sign for the economy that businesses are sticking with their plans to expand and modernize their operations.