Durable goods orders beat expectations in December    Though total orders slipped from November, ex-transportation growth shows promise for the manufacturing sector.

Durable goods orders beat expectations in December

Though total orders slipped from November, ex-transportation growth shows promise for the manufacturing sector.

Spending on long-lasting manufactured goods fell in December, but increasing orders of core capital goods suggest growth in the sector after a decline early last quarter. Orders of durable goods—manufactured items with a lifespan of more than three years—fell 1.4% in...