NEW YORK, April 22 - U.S. durable goods orders likely fell in March but not as severely as they fell in February, with healthy demand for automobiles likely stabilizing an otherwise weak sector. Twenty-two economists polled in a survey, on average, predict the U.S. Department of Commerce will report durable goods orders fell 0.5 percent last month. A revised reading for February showed a decline of 1.6 percent. While some economists are expecting a decline, due in part to seasonal factors, war jitters and unease over the economic outlook, others say durable goods orders likely rose because of stepped-up defense industry demand.
Orders for durable goods, those products like airplanes, cars and washing machines meant to last three or more years, are generally perceived as a harbinger for overall manufacturing activity since an increase in orders must precede a boost in output. The manufacturing sector has been a weak point in the sluggish U.S. economy for the last three years, and a sustained recovery is widely seen as necessary for a strong rebound.//