New orders for durable goods rose in April, according to a report released moments ago by the US Census Bureau. The increase reached $346 billion, a rise of 7.9%, compared to a revised 1.3% increase in March. Expectations had been for 4% growth. Meanwhile, core orders, excluding transportation, rose 1.1% in April, compared to a 0.9% increase in March (expectations were 0.5%).

Specifically, new orders excluding defense fell by approximately 8.1%. Transportation equipment, which saw an increase for the second consecutive month, topped the list of the most in-demand sectors in April, reaching $130.9 billion, a 21.5% increase.

These are mixed economic figures for the US economy, with durable goods orders rising 7.9% in April compared to March.