A rise in orders for long-lasting goods like cars and aircraft in July eased fears that the U.S. was headed for another recession.
US stocks rose for a third straight day, up 1.3%.
Overall orders for durable goods rose 4% last month, biggest increase since March, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Demand for autos and auto parts jumped 11.5%, the most in eight years.
(READ both the AP stories in the USA Today)