Durable Goods Orders Up Again in February

Washington, DC, March 28, 2012 -- Durable goods orders rose 2.2% in February, according to the Commerce Department.

Economists had expected durable-goods orders to increase a seasonally adjusted 2.9% on the month, turning around from a sharp drop in January. It was the fourth increase in five months.

The rise in demand last month was lead by transportation and defense, but almost every sector reported an increase.

Excluding the volatile transportation sector, the government said orders rose 1.6%. Orders minus defense increased 1.7%.