# U.S. Durable Goods Orders Beat Expectations—What It Means for Markets

The Commerce Department just dropped September durable goods data, and it's stronger than analysts predicted.

**The Numbers:**
- Orders jumped 0.5% in September (expected 0.3%)
- August revised upward to 3.0% (from 2.9%)
- Ex-transportation orders climbed 0.6% vs. 0.2% forecast

**Why This Matters:**
Stronger-than-expected manufacturing orders signal resilient business investment and industrial demand. This bolsters the narrative around sticky inflation and could influence Fed policy expectations.

**Bottom Line:**
The data suggests manufacturers aren't pulling back despite higher rates—mixed signals for recession concerns but potentially hawkish for rate projections. Watch how markets digest this ahead of the next inflation print.