Durable goods orders rise 2.9 percent in April

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods surged in April, propelled by a rebound in demand for commercial aircraft.

The Commerce Department says demand for durable goods increased 2.9 percent last month. It was the best showing in three months and more than double the 1.3 percent gain expected. Excluding transportation, orders fell 1 percent after posting a sizable 4.8 percent rise in March.

The big rise in overall orders was further evidence that manufacturing is helping to drive the recovery. U.S. companies are benefiting from rising demand both at home and in major export markets.