New orders for durable goods rose in March, according to a report released moments ago by the US Census Bureau. The increase was $2.6 billion, reaching $318.9 billion, a rise of 0.8% after three consecutive months of declines. This compares to a 1.2% drop in February, exceeding expectations of 0.4% growth. Meanwhile, core orders, excluding transportation, rose 0.9% in March, compared to an 8% increase in February (expectations were for 0.4%).

Specifically, new orders excluding defense fell by about 0.3%. Computers and electronic products led the increase in March, rising by $1 billion, or 3.7%, to reach $29.6 billion.