Durable goods new orders increased 0.9% MoM in February, well above expectations that they would decline -1.0% MoM.

• Excluding transportation, orders were up 0.7% MoM, above expectations of a 0.2% MoM increase.
• Primary metals (+1.2% MoM) and fabricated metal products (+0.9% MoM) new orders both saw strong increases.
• Machinery and electronics orders were basically unchanged, but electrical equipment orders bounced back with a 2.0% MoM increase.

• Nondefense capital goods (ex-aircraft) new orders were down -0.3% MoM, below expectations of a 0.2% MoM increase. Shipments increased 0.9% MoM but were down -1.9% YoY.