Durable goods orders climbed 3% in December as demand for automobiles, aircraft and business equipment rose, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
The increase followed a revised 4.3% gain in November that was larger than previously reported, Commerce said.
Economists had expected a 2% increase in December, Bloomberg reported.
Excluding volatile transportation orders, bookings for goods meant to last several years rose 2.1%, Commerce said.
Durable goods include large items like refrigerators and air conditioners. Trucking is a major beneficiary of durable goods manufacturing, hauling both components and finished goods.
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