Durable Orders Rise 3% in December

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.