Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment increased in January by the most in a year, representing a respite in the corporate investment slowdown that weighed on the economy last year.

U.S. orders for business equipment increased more than forecast in August, indicating solid demand is continuing in the third quarter, Commerce Department figures showed Sept. 27.

Orders for U.S. capital goods advanced more than forecast in December, showing businesses were adjusting investment plans amid prospects for stronger economic growth.

Orders for U.S. business equipment climbed in October for the fourth month in the last five and sales also advanced, indicating corporate investment may be starting to thaw.

Orders for U.S. business equipment fell in September by the most in seven months, indicating corporate investment is having trouble gaining traction.

Orders for business equipment climbed in July for a second month, advancing the most since January and indicating U.S. companies are becoming less reluctant to invest.

Orders for business equipment rose in June for the first time in three months, eking out a small gain that shows companies are in no rush to significantly ramp up investment, according to a report July 27 from the Commerce Department.

Orders for U.S. capital goods rebounded in January by the most since June 2014, representing a pause in manufacturing’s downturn.

Orders for U.S. capital goods dropped in November for the first time in three months, showing businesses began tempering new investment after a third-quarter surge.

The momentum in orders for business equipment stalled in August after gains the prior two months as U.S. investment took a breather amid volatility in financial markets and concerns that global growth is slowing.