WASHINGTON—New orders for U.S.-made goods increased solidly in September, but further gains could be limited amid an anticipated slowdown in consumer spending as government money for businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic runs out.
According to the Commerce Department, factory orders rose 1.1 percent after climbing 0.6 percent in August. Orders were boosted by increased demand for primary metals, computers and electronic products, motor vehicles and fabricated metal products. But, orders for machinery, furniture and electrical equipment, appliances and components fell.