Core durable goods orders in the United States increased by 0.4% in January 2026 on a month-over-month basis, easing from a stronger 1.3% rise recorded in December 2025. The latest data, updated on 13 March 2026, indicate that while business investment in longer-lasting, non-transportation goods continued to expand, the pace of growth moderated at the start of the year.
The comparison is made on a month-over-month basis, meaning January’s 0.4% gain reflects the change from December 2025, while December’s 1.3% figure showed growth relative to November 2025. The deceleration may suggest a more cautious tone in capital expenditure after a robust year-end, but still points to underlying resilience in core investment activity. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to see whether January’s softer reading marks the beginning of a trend or a temporary pause in momentum.
