The U.S. Department of Commerce reported new orders for manufactured durable goods in November decreased $11.0 billion, or 4.6%, to $228.2 billion. The decrease, down following four consecutive monthly increases, followed a 4.8% October increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.5%. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 6.6%.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in November, up two of the last three months, increased $0.2 billion, or 0.1%, to $234.2 billion. This followed a 0.1% October decrease.

Primary metals, also up two of the last three months, drove the increase, $0.3 billion or 1.7% to $18.0 billion.