WASHINGTON — Orders for long-lasting goods such as appliances and metals unexpectedly rose in April after a gain the prior month that was stronger than previously estimated, indicating US manufacturing is rebounding with the economy.
Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years increased 0.8 percent after a revised March advance of 3.6 percent gain that was the strongest since November, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Orders for military hardware surged the most since December 2012.
The value of business equipment sales excluding aircraft and defense materials held above the first-quarter average, signaling capital spending is emerging from a slump earlier this year.
Another report showing the second-strongest level of consumer confidence since 2008 indicated employment opportunities will keep underpinning household purchases.
The Conference Board in New York said its measure of confidence advanced to 83 in May from 81.7 a month earlier as Americans grew more upbeat about the economy and employment.
The Commerce Department figures showed orders for nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft, a proxy for future business investment in items like computers, engines, and communications gear, decreased 1.2 percent after a 4.7 percent surge the previous month that was the strongest since November.
Shipments of those goods, used in calculating gross domestic product, fell 0.4 percent after rising 2.1 percent, also more than previously estimated.
The value of capital goods shipments excluding military hardware and commercial aircraft was $68.1 billion in April, up from a $67.3 billion average from January-March, indicating companies are starting to invest after a first-quarter lull.
‘‘We’re looking at a nice upward trend for orders,’’ said Robert Brusca, president of Fact & Opinion Economics in New York, who projected a 1 percent gain in durables orders. ‘‘The signals for manufacturing are pretty good. It’s going to be an important contributor to growth.’’