Durable Goods orders reflect new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for delivery of factory hard goods (Durable Goods) in the near term or future. Businesses and consumers generally place orders for Durable Goods when they are confident the economy is improving. An increase in Durable Goods orders signifies an economy trending upwards. Durable Goods are expensive items that last three years or more. As a result, companies purchase them infrequently. They include machinery and equipment, such as computer equipment and industrial machinery.
