Drop in aircraft bookings drags durable goods orders down in August

Durable goods orders unexpectedly fell 2.4 percent in August, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Friday, as a large decline in aircraft bookings pushed the index lower. However, as the core rate was unchanged in August.

The core rate has risen in the previous three months -- making August the fourth straight month without a decline, another tentative sign that an economic recovery is gathering steam, despite the unexpectedly negative number announced today.