The U.S. Commerce Department released durable goods orders today. U.S. durable goods orders declined 18.2% in August, missing expectations for a 17.7% drop, after a 22.5% rise in July. July's figure was revised down from a 22.6% increase. That was the largest drop since 1992.

The significant decline was no surprise.

Orders for the transportation decreased 42% in August, while civilian aircraft orders fall 74.3%.

Orders for automobiles declined 6.4%.

U.S. durable goods orders excluding transportation increased 0.7% last month, in line with expectations, after a 0.5% fall in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.7% decline.

U.S. durable goods orders excluding defence goods fell 19% last month, after a 24.9% gain in July.