This page tracks new orders for U.S.-manufactured durable goods — items designed to last three years or more, such as machinery, vehicles, appliances, electronics, and aircraft. Durable goods orders are a key indicator of manufacturing strength, business investment, and overall economic momentum.
Because the data is volatile (especially aircraft orders), analysts often look at both the headline number and the “ex‑transportation” series for a clearer trend.
What This Chart Shows
- Total new orders for long‑lasting manufactured goods
- Volatility driven by aircraft and transportation equipment
- Underlying business investment trends (especially when excluding transportation)
- Cyclical behavior tied to interest rates, credit conditions, and global demand
- Sharp declines during recessions (2001, 2008, 2020) and rebounds during recoveries
Key Takeaways
- Durable goods orders are a leading indicator of manufacturing activity
- Rising orders signal stronger business investment and economic expansion
- Falling orders may indicate slowing demand or recession risk
- Transportation orders (especially aircraft) can heavily skew the headline number
- The “ex‑transportation” and “core capital goods” components provide deeper insight
Data Source
U.S. Census Bureau via FRED®