U.S. Business-Equipment Orders Climb by More Than Forecast

Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment accelerated by more than forecast in July, a sign solid demand extended into the second half despite corporate concerns over tariffs, Commerce Department figures showed Friday.

Orders rose for machinery, computers and electronic products and motor vehicles and parts last month, according to the report. The data, representing the first results since the U.S. and China imposed tariffs on each other’s goods in early July, signal that business investment remains intact even as President Donald Trump widens a trade war to a growing range of products from China.