Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 

Blog Home
   Brian Wesbury
Chief Economist
 
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
   Bob Stein
Deputy Chief Economist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 
  How Can Transportation Orders Go Up When Autos and Aircraft Were Both Down?
Posted Under: Durable Goods
In today's advanced report on durable goods orders an interesting thing happened.  Transportation equipment led the gain in overall orders, rising 2.3%, but when looking at the major subcategories for transportation equipment, both autos and aircraft orders were down. So how could we have seen such a large increase in transportation?

Although it is not shown on the advanced durables report, the transportation sector is broken down into 14 categories, link here (pages 14 and 15). Some of these categories only have a few companies that report to the Census and so, for privacy sake, this information is kept confidential. Otherwise, analysts would be able to use government data to figure out how particular companies are performing, which would make it tough for the government to collect the data in the first place.   

This is not the first time that overall transportation equipment and autos and aircraft orders have diverged. Going back to 1992, we have seen this happen in 29 other months. So although it does not happen frequently, it does happen and will happen again. Don't get caught up in conspiracies that the government is manipulating statistics. The real story is that the underlying strength of the economy is continuing to improve, companies are doing better than they ever have, and the market still looks to be undervalued.

Addendum: The Wall Street Journal addressed this issue this afternoon and after digging through it's news stories archive found a $16.8 billion submarine order from the Pentagon in late April.  This order seems to fit the missing transportation amount almost perfectly.

Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 2:17 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
 PREVIOUS POSTS
New Orders For Durable Goods Increased 0.8% in April
Dude, Don't Fret Q1 Drop in GDP
New single-family home sales rose 6.4% in April
Existing Home Sales Rose 1.3% in April to a 4.65 Million Annual Rate
Can a "Perma-Bull" Turn Bearish?
Housing Starts Increased 13.2% in April to 1.072 Million Units at an Annual Rate
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) Increased 0.3% in April
Industrial Production Declined 0.6% in April
The Producer Price Index (PPI) Rose 0.6% in April
Retail Sales Increased 0.1% in April
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Expand 20242024
Expand 20232023
Expand 20222022
Expand 20212021
Expand 20202020
Expand 20192019
Expand 20182018
Expand 20172017
Expand 20162016
Expand 20152015
Expand 20142014
Expand 20132013
Expand 20122012
Expand 20112011
Expand 20102010

Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.