U.S. factory orders rose 2.7% in November, led by a 14.7% surge in transportation equipment.

U.S. factory orders rose 2.7% in November, surpassing expectations, driven by a 5.3% increase in durable goods, led by a 14.7% jump in transportation equipment. Non-durable orders were nearly flat. Shipments dipped slightly, and inventories rose modestly, keeping the inventories-to-shipments ratio unchanged. The data signals a rebound in manufacturing demand, supported by strong wholesale sales and stable inventory levels.