The U.S. Commerce Department released durable goods orders data on Thursday. The U.S. durable goods orders decreased 2.0% in August, in line with expectations, after a 1.9% gain in July. July's figure was revised down from a 2.2% rise.

The decline was partly driven by a weak demand for aircraft.

The U.S. durable goods orders excluding transportation was flat in August, missing expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.6% increase in July.

The U.S. durable goods orders excluding defence dropped 1.0 % in August, beating expectations for a 1.2% fall, after a 0.9% gain in July. July's figure was revised down from a 1.0% increase.

A stronger U.S. dollar weighs on U.S. exports and makes imports more attractive for consumers in the U.S.