Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment eased unexpectedly last month after a smaller February advance, indicating a more moderate pace of capital spending, a Commerce Department report showed April 26

Orders for durable goods rose less than forecasted in March as demand for automobiles, fabricated-metal products and machinery all declined, Commerce Department data showed April 27.

Orders for U.S. durable goods increased more than forecast in February, a sign companies are confident about the outlook for the economy.

Orders for U.S. durable goods were little changed in August and shipments of capital equipment declined for a fourth straight month, indicating lingering weakness in manufacturing.

Orders for U.S. durable goods climbed less than forecast in March as demand for capital equipment remained weak, a sign that a diminished growth outlook is impeding investment.

Orders for durable goods fell in February for the third time in four months, reflecting a broad-based slowdown that underscores lingering softness in U.S. capital investment.

Orders for business equipment rose in May for just the second time this year, indicating demand for American-made manufactured goods is stabilizing.

Demand for all durable goods — items meant to last at least three years — rose 4% on aircraft and autos in March, data from the Commerce Department showed April 24.