The numbers:ย Orders at U.S. factories for long-lasting goods such as computers and cars rose 0.8% in March and business investment rebounded after the first decline in a year, signaling the economy is still growing at a steady pace.
The increase matched the estimate of economists polled by the Wall Street Journal.
Orders for U.S durable goods โ products meant to last at least three years โ advanced for the sixth time in the last seven months.
Whatโs more, the initially reported 2.2% decline in February was revised to show a smaller 1.7% drop,ย the government said Tuesday.
Another measure of factory conditions, known as core orders, advanced 1% in the month. The core number strips out transportation and military equipment and gives a better sense of underlying demand in the U.S. economy.
These orders fell in February for the first time in a year, so the rebound is encouraging. They are viewed by investors…
