WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - Demand for U.S.-made durable goods rose in December for the first time since September, led by strong orders for metals, machinery and capital equipment, the Commerce Department estimated Thursday. Orders for durable goods increased 0.3% in December after a revised 0.4% decline in November. Economists were looking for a much-stronger 1.7% gain in orders in December. Excluding the 2% drop in often-volatile transportation sector, orders rose 0.9% in December after a 2.1% gain in November. Core capital equipment goods rose 1.3% in December after a 3.1% gain in November.
