Core Durable Goods Orders Rose in August 2026
Business investment in equipment, led by AI-driven communications gear, continued a 17-month growth streak.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Core durable goods orders in the United States increased by 0.3% in August 2026 compared to the previous month. This marks the seventeenth consecutive month of growth for these orders.
Why it matters
The sustained demand for communications and network equipment reflects ongoing business investment in infrastructure, specifically driven by spending on artificial intelligence technology. This trend indicates consistent capital allocation toward digital transformation despite fluctuations in other sectors.
Core durable goods orders rose 11.1% over the last year, while nondefense capital goods orders excluding aircraft grew 1.6% in August alone. Broader durable goods orders remained flat for the same period as declines in Boeing orders offset other gains.
The players
Boeing
A major aerospace manufacturer that produces commercial and military aircraft and is a significant driver of overall U.S. manufacturing order data.
The details
Growth in core orders was bolstered by a 1.6% increase in nondefense capital goods, a category that tracks essential infrastructure such as routers, switches, fiber-optic gear, and cellular tower electronics. The surge in AI-related spending has incentivized businesses to modernize communications and network equipment to support higher processing demands. While these core segments expanded, broader durable goods orders were stagnant in August, as lower order volumes from Boeing weighed on the overall data.
Timeline
July 2026 served as the baseline for the monthly growth measurement.
August 2026 marked the seventeenth consecutive month of core order increases.
Money Landscape
The current 17-month growth streak for core durable goods marks a notable period of capital expansion for U.S. businesses. This trend persists even as broader manufacturing metrics remain flat, reflecting a sector-specific shift toward AI-related infrastructure.
The sustained demand for communications and network equipment signals that businesses are prioritizing digital infrastructure upgrades over other long-term assets. Households should view this as a gauge of corporate health, though they should consult a financial professional regarding how these macro-level business trends impact personal portfolios.
The takeaway
The consistent growth in core durable goods suggests that companies are aggressively investing in technology infrastructure to support AI development. Reviewing quarterly reports from your own industry or personal investment holdings can help you understand how these trends impact your specific financial situation.
Further reading
For more on the current climate of business spending, see the Economic Indicators section.
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