Economists' forecasts, from a survey of 57 economists, ranged from a decline of 5.1% to an increase of 2.4%. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that orders increased by 5.4% in November. New orders excluding transportation items rose 0.9% in December, following a 0.4% increase in November. New orders excluding defense goods decreased 2.5% in December, after a 6.6% increase in November. Capital goods orders excluding aircraft and defense items increased 0.6% in December, compared to a 0.8% rise in November. Shipments of capital goods excluding aircraft and defense items increased 0.9% in December, after a 0.2% gain in November.