WASHINGTON — New orders for manufactured durable goods in July increased $1.7 billion or 1 percent to $174 billion, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported. This was the third straight monthly gain.

Shipments of durable goods in July increased $4.7 billion or 2.6 percent to $181.4 billion, the largest increase in six months.

Unfilled orders decreased $1.9 billion or 0.4 percent to $485.5 billion. Inventories decreased $2.4 billion or 0.9 percent to $263.9 billion.

Publication date: 08/25/2003