MNI DATA ANALYSIS: US June Durable Orders Rise 1.0%>

--Ex-Transportation Orders +0.4%; Transportation Orders +2.2%

--Nondefense Cap Goods Ex Aircraft New Orders +0.6%, Shipments +1.0%

--Initial Jobless Claims Rise 9,000 To 217,000 In July 21 Week

By Kevin Kastner, Shikha Dave, and Harrison Clarke

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

by 1.0% in June, a smaller gain than the 3.5% surge expected by analysts 

in an MNI survey and following a upward revision to the decline in the 

previous month, data released Thursday by the Commerce Department 

showed. 

     The main driver of the June increase was a 2.2% rise in 

transportation orders. However, new orders excluding transportation 

orders posted a 0.4% increase on gains in computers and electronic 

products, electrical equipment, and the all other durables category. 

Analysts had expected this component to rise 0.4%. 

     Also released on Thursday, initial jobless claims rose by 9,000 to 

217,000 in the July 21 week after dipping to their lowest point since 

1969 in the previous week. The four-week moving average fell by 2,750 

to 218,000 in July 21 week, and would be expected to fall by 3,750 next 

week, all else being equal.

     Continuing claims fell by 8,000 to 1.745 million in the July 14 

week, down 38,000 from the level in the June 16 survey week.

--NONDEFENSE AIRCRAFT ORDERS, VEHICLES SURGE

     Nondefense aircraft and parts new orders rose 4.3% in June 

following an 11.6% fall in the previous month. In addition, motor 

vehicles and parts orders rose 4.4%.

     At the same time, defense aircraft orders rose 20.2% and 

transportation orders excluding motor vehicles and aircraft were down 

21.0%, according to an MNI calculation. 

     Nondefense capital goods new orders rose 2.3%, and were still up 

0.6% excluding an increase in civilian aircraft orders following a 0.7% 

rise in May. 

--SHIPMENTS UP, INVENTORIES DOWN

     Durable goods shipments rose 1.7% in June due to a rise in 

transportation, but nondefense capital goods shipments were up 2.3%. 

Nondefense capital goods shipments ex. aircraft were up 1.0% 

after a 0.2% rise in the previous month.

     Durable goods inventories fell 0.1% in the month, while unfilled 

orders posted a 0.4% increase.  

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

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