Factory Orders Rise Second Straight Month

Washington, DC, July 2, 2013 -- Factory orders rose for a second consecutive month in May, according to the Commerce Department.

The government said new orders for manufactured goods increased 2.1%. April's orders were revised to show a 1.3% rise instead of the previously reported 1% increase.

The Commerce Department report showed factory orders rose in most categories.

Excluding the transportation sector, orders rose 0.6% after edging up 0.2 in April.

The department also said orders for durable goods rose 3.7% instead of the 3.6% increase reported last week.