August Durable Goods Orders Encouraging

Washington, DC, Sept. 24, 2010--The overall demand for durable goods fell 1.3% in August, the Commerce Department said Friday. However, when excluding the volatile transportation sector, orders rose 2% -- the best showing in five months.

Orders for machinery rose 3.9% in August after tumbling 9.6% in July. Demand for computers and related products was up 12%. Orders for communications equipment rose 9.2% last month. Orders for primary metals rose 2.4%.

Durable goods are items expected to last at least three years, such as refrigerators, automobiles and washing machines.