MNI DATA ANALYSIS:US August Durable Orders +1.7%;Ex-Trans +0.2%>

--Transportation Orders Rise 4.9%; 

By Holly Stokes and Sara Haire

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The value of U.S. durable goods new orders rose 

1.7% in August, above expectations for a 0.8% increase, as 

transportation orders rose 4.9%, but nontransportation orders posted a 

0.2% gain, data released Wednesday by the Commerce Department showed. 

     The rise in new orders excluding transportation was slightly behind 

the 0.3% gain expected and reflected mixed components. There were gains 

for manufacturing with unfilled orders, primary metals, machinery, 

computers and electronics, that offset the decline in fabricated metal 

products, computers, and electrical equipment. The "all other durables 

category" was unchaged. 

     Nondefense aircraft and parts new orders skyrocketed 44.8% in 

August after a 71.1% decline in July, while defense aircraft and parts 

fell 24.3%. Motor vehicles orders rose 1.5%. In addition, transportation 

orders excluding motor vehicles and aircraft rose 11.0%, according to an 

MNI calculation. 

     Nondefense capital goods new orders rose 4.7%, but were up 1.1% 

excluding civilian aircraft. 

     Durable goods shipments rose 0.3% in August, with nondefense 

capital goods shipments down 1.5% and up 0.7% excluding civilian 

aircraft shipments. 

     Durable goods inventories were up 0.3% in the month, while unfilled 

orders were flat. 

                ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **

[TOPICS: MAUDS$,MT$$$$,M$U$$$]