According to the U.S. Census Bureau, new orders for manufactured durable goods in September increased $5.1 billion, or 2.2%, to $238.7 billion. This marked the third increase in the last four months, including a 2.0% jump in August. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.7%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 2.0%. Transportation equipment, also up three of the last four months, led the increase, $4.0 billion, or 5.1%, to $81.2 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in September, up four of the last five months, increased $2.4 billion, or 1.0%, to $240.5 billion. This followed a 0.7% August increase. Transportation equipment, up two of the last three months, led the increase, $1.1 billion, or 1.4%, to $79.7 billion.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in September, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $2.8 billion, or 0.2%, to $1,135.1 billion. This followed a virtually unchanged August decrease. Transportation equipment, also up following two consecutive monthly decreases, led the increase, $1.5 billion, or 0.2%, to $772.1 billion.

Inventories of manufactured durable goods in September, up 14 of the last 15 months, increased $2.4 billion, or 0.6%, to $403.6 billion. This followed a 0.5% August increase. Transportation equipment, up three consecutive months, led the increase, $0.8 billion, or 0.7%, to $130.8 billion.

Nondefense new orders for capital goods in September increased $4.3 billion, or 6.1%, to $74.9 billion. Shipments increased $1.7 billion, or 2.4%, to $73.5 billion. Unfilled orders increased $1.3 billion, or 0.2%, to $704.8 billion. Inventories increased $1.4 billion, or 0.8%, to $179.9 billion. Defense new orders for capital goods in September increased $0.5 billion, or 4.1%, to $11.5 billion. Shipments increased $0.2 billion, or 1.7%, to $10.6 billion. Unfilled orders increased $0.9 billion, or 0.7%, to $143.9 billion. Inventories decreased $0.1 billion, or 0.3%, to $23.4 billion.