The U.S. Commerce Department released durable goods orders data on Thursday. The U.S. durable goods orders rose 2.8% in January, exceeding expectations for a 1.7% increase, after a 3.7% decline in December. December's figure was revised down from a 3.3% decrease.

The decline was driven by increasing demand for computers and machinery.

The U.S. durable goods orders excluding transportation climbed 0.3% in January, missing expectations for a 0.6% gain, after a 0.9% decrease in December. December's figure was revised down from a 0.8% fall.

The U.S. durable goods orders excluding defence increased 0.6% in January.