New data shows that U.S. durable goods orders—a closely watched indicator of manufacturing activity—rose 0.5% in the latest month, exactly in line with economists’ forecasts.

The report, which tracks new orders for long-lasting manufactured items such as vehicles, industrial machines, and household appliances, is often used to assess the sector’s forward momentum. A result that matches projections typically signals that manufacturers are performing broadly as expected, offering some reassurance about underlying economic conditions.

However, the latest figure also highlights a clear loss of momentum compared with the previous month’s strong 2.9% increase. The sharp deceleration suggests that the pace of new demand for big-ticket goods has cooled, which can indicate a more cautious stance from both businesses and consumers when it comes to long-term spending commitments.

Durable goods, generally defined as products with a lifespan of at least three years, are sensitive to shifts in economic confidence. When orders slow, it may reflect growing uncertainty or concerns about future growth prospects.

Even so, the fact that the headline number aligned with expectations suggests a degree of stability in the sector. For the U.S. dollar, the mixed nature of the report delivers a blended signal: the softer growth rate may be viewed as slightly negative, while meeting the consensus forecast could offer modest support.

Overall, the data points to a manufacturing sector that is still expanding but at a more restrained pace. Analysts and investors will be watching upcoming releases to see whether this slowdown is temporary or the start of a broader cooling trend.

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