February durable goods orders fall 0.9 percent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New orders for long-lasting manufactured goods unexpectedly fell in February after a strong showing in January, a government report showed on Thursday, hinting at decelerating manufacturing activity.

The Commerce Department said durable goods orders fell 0.9 percent after an upwardly revised 3.6 percent increase in January. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 1.1 percent increase after January's rise, which was initially reported at 2.7 percent.

Excluding transportation, durable goods orders fell 0.6 percent after a revised 3.0 percent fall in January. Economists had expected this category to rise 2.0 percent .

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Neil Stempleman)