U.S. Economy: Investment Picking Up, Claims Decline

Orders for computers and machinery climbed in May, showing gains in global business investment and demand that will give the U.S. economy a lift.

Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years, excluding autos and aircraft, increased 0.9 percent, the third gain in the past four months, according to figures from the Commerce Department issued today in Washington. A report from the Labor Department showed the number of claims for jobless benefits last week hovered near this year’s average.