Durable goods orders in the United States surged by 1.9% in April to reach $346 billion, the US Census Bureau reported on Thursday. The figure marked a jump from March's revised increase of 1.3%. Transportation equipment led the increase, soaring 21.5% to reach $130.9 billion. The new orders, excluding transportation, advanced 1.1%, and excluding defense, climbed 8.1%. Shipments of manufactured durable goods advanced 0.5%, reaching $324.3 billion. Unfilled orders of durable goods added 1.7%, landing at $1,569 billion. (full story)