Orders for US durable goods jump 3.4 percent in June, reflecting surge in commercial aircraft

Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods posted a sizable gain in June, reflecting a surge in demand for commercial aircraft. Meanwhile, a key category that reflects business investment rebounded after two months of declines.

The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods jumped 3.4 percent in June from May, when orders had fallen 2.1 percent. The gain was the best result since March.

A category viewed as a proxy for business investment plans increased 0.9 percent, then best showing since a 1.6 percent rise in March. This category had declined in April and May and has been weak for a number of months.

U.S. manufacturers have struggled this year from the effects of a strong dollar and a big plunge in energy prices.