Durable Goods Orders Fell in January

Washington, DC, Feb. 26, 2009--Durable goods orders fell for a record sixth consecutive month in January.

The 5.2 percent drop was more than twice as large as projected and followed a 4.6 percent decrease the prior month, the Commerce Department said today. Excluding transportation equipment, orders fell 2.5 percent.

Economists projected a 2.5 percent drop after a previously reported 3 percent decline in December.

Excluding transportation equipment, orders were forecast to fall 2.2 percent after a 3.9 percent decrease.