The US economy got another boost from durable goods orders and consumer confidence In a surprise result, April durable goods orders increased 0.8% from the...

The US economy got another boost from durable goods orders and consumer confidence In a surprise result, April durable goods orders increased 0.8% from the prior month. It's all the more unexpected because March durable goods increased by a robust 3.6% (revised upward). Economists had expected a 0.7% drop. The gains were primary led by defense spending. From this time last year, new orders increased 4.9%. In other economics news, consumer confidence increased to 81.7 last month to 83 in May. According to the Conference Board's survey, consumers are showing greater confidence in the labor market. Both reports continue to provide evidence that the US economy is gaining steam. (VIEW LINK) (VIEW LINK)