New orders for US-manufactured durable goods fell by 1.4% from the previous month to $315.5 billion in February of 2026, extending the revised 0.5% drop in the previous month. It was the third straight decline in orders, contrasting with leading indicators for the sector that reflected stronger demand for goods producers. Orders sank for transportation equipment (-5.4% to $106.1 billion) due to a -28.6% plunge in nondefense aircraft and parts (to $19.2 billion). Excluding transportation equipment, new orders inched higher by 0.8%, with support from primary metals (2.2% to $28.6 billion) and machinery (1.5% to $41.1 billion).
US Private-Sector Hiring Surges in March
US private employers added an average of 26,000 jobs per week in the four weeks ending March 21, 2026, according to the ADP Research Institute, a significant jump from the 15,250 weekly jobs created in the previous period. This marks the third consecutive week of hiring growth, with job creation reaching its highest level since weekly records began in September 2025. The data signals a robust rebound in the labor market.
