Orders to U.S. Factories Rise More Than Forecast

Orders placed with U.S. factories climbed more than forecast in September, adding to evidence manufacturing continues to lead the recovery.

The 2.1 percent increase in bookings was the biggest since January and followed little change the prior month, the Commerce Department said today in Washington. The data also showed a drop in orders for capital equipment was smaller than estimated in last week’s report on durable goods, pointing to less of a slowdown in business investment.