WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) – New orders for U.S.-made goods increased more than expected in January, pointing to continued strength in manufacturing despite supply challenges.
The Commerce Department said on Thursday that factory orders rose 1.4% in January. Data for December was revised sharply higher to show orders gaining 0.7% instead of falling 0.4% as previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast factory orders would rebound 0.7%.