The U.S. Commerce Department released factory orders data on Wednesday. Factory orders in the U.S. climbed 1.1% in March, exceeding expectations for a 0.6% gain, after a 1.9% decline in February. February's figure was revised down from a 1.7% decrease.

Durable goods orders were up 0.8% in March, while non-durable goods orders rose 1.5%.

Orders for transportation equipment jumped 2.8% in March, while orders for automobiles and parts declined 0.9%.

Factory orders excluding transportation increased 0.8% in March, after a 0.9% drop in February. February's figure was revised down from a 0.8% fall.