How Does Durable Goods Affect Stocks & ETFs?

The Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders measures new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for goods expected to last 3+ years. Core capital goods orders (ex-defense, ex-aircraft) are the key proxy for business investment.

Core capital goods orders are the best real-time proxy for business investment (capex). Rising orders signal corporate confidence and future economic growth. The data is volatile month-to-month due to large aircraft orders, so the core reading matters most.