US core capital goods orders rebound before Iran war

格隆汇 April 7｜US corporate equipment orders rebounded in February, indicating that companies were advancing investment plans before the outbreak of the Iran war. Data released by the US Department of Commerce on Tuesday showed that non-defense capital goods orders (excluding aircraft) grew by 0.6% in February, compared with the economists’ median forecast of 0.5% growth. Total durable goods orders fell by 1.4%, mainly reflecting a decline in aircraft orders. Boeing stated that its aircraft orders in February decreased compared to the previous month. The durable goods report showed increases in orders for computers, automobiles, metals, and machinery. Economists expect business investment to remain robust this year as companies continue investing in artificial intelligence and take advantage of more favorable tax provisions. However, it remains unclear how cautious companies may become due to the Iran war.