Durable Goods Orders Excluding Transportation MoM

A monthly U.S. measure of new orders for long-lasting manufactured goods that excludes transportation equipment.

Economic IndicatorsModerate volatilityDurable Goods Orders Ex TranspDurable Goods Ex TransportationCore Durable Goods OrdersDurable Goods Orders Less Transportation

Full explanation

This release shows the monthly change in new orders received by U.S. manufacturers for durable goods, excluding transportation equipment. Durable goods are products intended for extended use, such as machinery, electronics, and appliances. Removing transportation helps reduce the effect of large, irregular aircraft and vehicle orders, which can make the headline durable goods figure volatile. The U.S. Census Bureau compiles the estimate from its Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders survey, and new orders are measured net of cancellations.

Why traders watch it

Traders use it as a timely indication of demand in U.S. manufacturing and, in some categories, business equipment spending. Surprises can affect expectations for growth, inflation pressures, and the interest-rate outlook, with potential implications for the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields.

Market interpretation

U.S. dollar
An unexpected result may influence perceptions of U.S. growth and the policy outlook, which can affect USD pricing.
U.S. Treasury yields
The release may affect expectations for economic activity and interest rates, particularly when it materially differs from consensus.
U.S. equities
Manufacturing-sensitive sectors may react to evidence of changing orders demand, though the detailed industry breakdown can matter.

Stronger vs weaker outcomes

A larger-than-expected increase may be interpreted as evidence of firmer manufacturing demand, while a weaker reading may be seen as a sign of softer demand. The market response can depend on the detail behind the figure, revisions, and other data released around the same time.

Stronger than expected

A higher-than-expected monthly reading may be viewed as a sign of stronger demand across parts of the manufacturing sector.

Weaker than expected

A lower-than-expected reading may be viewed as a sign of softer manufacturing demand or a slower flow of new orders.

In line with expectations

Compare the result with expectations, the prior-month revision, and the underlying industry detail rather than relying on the headline percentage alone.

Typical volatility

Moderate. Monthly orders can be volatile even after transportation is excluded. This is an advance estimate and may be revised, so traders often assess it alongside the headline durable goods release, capital-goods measures, shipments, and prior-month revisions.

Trading considerations

  • Check whether the prior month was revised, as revisions can change the apparent trend.
  • Compare the ex-transportation result with headline durable goods orders and the release’s industry detail.
  • Distinguish orders from shipments: orders indicate incoming demand, while shipments relate more directly to current output.
  • Be aware that the figure is an advance estimate and can be revised in later Census releases.
  • Consider other U.S. data released near the same time, as combined news can shape the market reaction.

Educational guidance only — never a trading signal or recommendation.

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