The reported increase exceeded both the market estimate and the previous 1.3% reading, pointing to stronger demand for long-lasting manufactured goods in April.
U.S. durable goods orders increased 7.9% in April, well above the 4.0% estimate and the prior 1.3% reading cited in the source. Durable goods orders track new orders for long-lasting manufactured products and are closely watched as a signal of business investment and industrial demand. A stronger-than-expected reading can shape market expectations around economic momentum and interest-rate policy, which often influences risk assets including cryptocurrencies.