The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened in September for the first time in six months as imports grew and some exports plunged.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a new record in March as the value of imports surged to a fresh high.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in September from the prior month’s record as imports declined for the first time in four months.

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. business equipment unexpectedly declined in May by the most in three months, pointing to weakness in investment even before the likely damage to confidence stemming from U.K. voters’ decision to leave the European Union.

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 unexpectedly declined in September as tepid global markets gave American companies little reason to expand.