Orders for U.S. durable goods excluding defense rose by 1.3% month-over-month in July 2026, marking a sharp acceleration from the revised 0.3% increase recorded in June 2026. The latest figures, updated on 26 August 2026, highlight a stronger pace of demand in core long-lasting manufactured goods once volatile defense-related orders are stripped out.
On a month-over-month comparison basis, July’s 1.3% gain indicates a more robust expansion in underlying industrial and business investment activity than in the prior month. In June, the indicator had inched up just 0.3% compared to May, suggesting more subdued momentum at that time. The July rebound may signal improved confidence in sectors tied to capital equipment and consumer durables, although a broader context from other indicators would be needed to confirm any sustained trend.
The “Durables Excluding Defense” metric is closely watched by market participants as it provides a cleaner read on private-sector demand, avoiding swings driven by government defense orders. The acceleration in July will likely draw attention from analysts assessing the trajectory of U.S. manufacturing and its contribution to overall economic growth in the second half of 2026.
