Increase in Goods Orders Points to Factory Rebound: Economy

American factories received more orders for automobiles and machinery in June, pointing to a pickup in manufacturing that will help propel the world’s largest economy in the second half of 2013.

Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years rose 4.2 percent, three times the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg, according to data from the Commerce Department issued today in Washington. Other reports showed consumer confidence last week matched a five-year high and jobless claims climbed as carmakers retooled plants.