New orders for manufactured durable goods in August remained virtually unchanged, decreasing just $0.1 billion to $226.9 billion, according to the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Although a small decrease, it marked the third in the last four months, following a 3.6% July increase. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.4%. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 1%.

Electrical equipment, appliances and components, down following two consecutive monthly increases, drove the decrease, $0.2 billion or 2.5% to $9.6 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods also decreased in August, following two consecutive monthly increases. The $0.8 billion or 0.4% drop to $231.7 billion came on the heels of a virtually unchanged July increase.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in August, down three consecutive months, decreased $1.5 billion or 0.1% to $1.12 billion. This followed a 0.2% July decrease.

Inventories of manufactured durable goods in August, up two consecutive months, increased $0.5 billion or 0.1% to $383.7 billion. This followed a 0.4% July increase.

Non-defense new orders for capital goods in August decreased $3.1 billion or 4.4% to $66.9 billion. Shipments decreased $1.4 billion or 1.9% to $70.1 billion. Unfilled orders decreased $3.1 billion or 0.4% to $696.3 billion. Inventories increased $0.3 billion or 0.2% to $169.7 billion.

Defense new orders for capital goods in August increased $2.3 billion or 23.6% to $11.9 billion. Shipments decreased $0.2 billion or 2.3% to $10.3 billion. Unfilled orders increased $1.5 billion or 1.1% to $137.2 billion. Inventories decreased $0.4 billion or 2% to $20.7 billion.