Durable goods orders up, but key category weakens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Orders to U.S. factories for long-lasting manufactured goods rose in February by the most in three months, but a key category that reflects business investment fell sharply. This category fell 1.3 percent, the second setback in three months.

Economists said the weakness in business investment might reflect the severe winter, which led some industries to put modernization and expansion plans on hold.