WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Thursday that new orders for manufactured goods rose 0.4% in March versus the predicted 0.1% rise. This follows a 0.2% February increase.

However, year to date, new orders for 2002 were 5.5% below the same period a year ago.

Shipments in March increased 0.7% following a 2.9% February decrease. March inventories decreased 0.6% following a 0.5% February decrease.