U.S. Economy: Capital Goods Orders Fell in September

Bookings for capital goods fell in September, signaling a slowdown in U.S. business investment that gives the Federal Reserve more reason to ease policy next week.

Non-military orders for equipment like computers and machinery meant to last at least three years and excluding airplanes dropped 0.6 percent after a 4.8 percent gain in August that was smaller than previously estimated, figures from Commerce Department showed today in Washington. Another report showed sales of new houses hovered near a record low last month.