Orders for U.S. Durable Goods Unexpectedly Slump

Orders for long-lasting equipment unexpectedly slumped in December by the most in five months, indicating companies are less sure than households that the U.S. economy is strengthening,

Bookings for durable goods meant to last at least three years dropped 4.3 percent, exceeding even the weakest forecast of 82 economists surveyed by Bloomberg, according to Commerce Department data issued today in Washington. Another report showed consumer confidence improved this month.