U.S. Durable-Goods Orders Fall 2 Percent in October

(WASHINGTON) -- Orders for U.S. long-lasting factory goods fell last month as businesses spent less on machinery, computers and most other items. The decline suggests companies may have been reluctant to invest during the 16-day partial government shutdown The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods dropped 2 percent in October. That follows a 4.1 percent increase in September. Durable goods are meant to last at least three years. Demand for commercial aircraft plunged nearly 16 percen...