–Widespread Declines In Every Category Except Computers And Electronics
By Ian McKendry and Kevin Kastner
WASHINGTON (MNI) – Durable goods orders fell 3.6% in April, a full
percentage point below the 2.6% decline expected with widespread
declines in every category except computers and electronic parts, data
released Wednesday morning by the Commerce Department showed.
The decline in durable goods orders was led by nondefense aircraft
parts which fell 30.0%, pulling down the transportation equipment
category by 9.5%.
Durable goods orders excluding defense were down 3.6%, marking the
first time that category was down in the last four months.
It should be noted that Boeing reported only 2 aircraft orders in
April, down sharply from the 98 orders reported in March which likely
contributed to the decline in nondefense aircraft orders.
A Market News International calculation shows that durables orders
excluding defense capital goods and civilian aircraft fell 1.7%, while
orders excluding defense capital goods and nondefense aircraft and parts
were down 2.0%
The computers and electronics parts was the only exception to the
widespread declines in the durable goods data. They rose by 0.7%.
Durable goods shipments fell 1.0% in April. Nondefense capital
goods shipments were down 7.3%, and were down 1.7% when aircrafts were
also excluded.
Durable goods inventories rose 0.9% and unfilled orders were
up 0.2%
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: MAUDS$,MT$$$$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]
