Durable goods orders jump in December

WASHINGTON (AP) — Companies placed more orders for long-lasting durable goods in December than November, helped by a large increase in aircraft demand.

But businesses pulled back on orders that indicate investment plans.

The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods increased 4.6%, driven by a 10% gain in aircraft orders.

A core category that measures business investment plans rose just 0.2%, after two strong months of gains.

Orders for durable goods, which are expected to last at least three years, can be volatile from month to month.