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Why durable goods orders reflect consumer demand

Jun 26, 2023
This week, the Census Bureau will report how many manufactured durable goods businesses ordered in May. Many manufacturers haven't been making as many products, but certain types of equipment are still in high demand.
Orders of computers have been rising lately, as businesses try to boost productivity through investments in tech during a tight labor market.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Tough housing market is pushing this lumber business to diversify

Nov 7, 2022
Sawmill Timberdoodle Farm has been investing in new equipment and looking into providing services along with its products, its co-owner says.
"Our business is pretty linked to new housing starts at the moment. And that hasn't been as robust as it has in the last two years," says Katrina Amaral, co-owner of Timberdoodle Farm. Above, a retail lumber outlet in California.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

To satisfy demand, manufacturers are on a capital-goods spending spree

Oct 27, 2021
Sales of things like drill presses, electrical equipment and metalworking tools were up for the seventh-straight month in September.
Orders for durable goods hit a record high in September as manufacturers aim to boost production. Above, a manufacturer operates a lathe in Roscoe, Illinois, in 2019.
Scott Olson via Getty Images

John Deere releases earnings

Aug 21, 2015
The fortunes of the equipment manufacturer are tied to the fate of their customers.

The creative limitations of sampling

Aug 20, 2015
Run the Jewels rapper and producer El-P talks about the sampler that started it all.

The anatomy of equipment: simple hacks with Money Mark

Aug 17, 2015
Money Mark talks about hacking gear to reveal what's behind the machine.

Yo La Tengo's James McNew likes things that don't sound right

Aug 6, 2015
"Noise Makers" continues with a conversation on the merits of toy instruments.

For public good, not for profit.

Boutique gyms bulk up with specialized training

Aug 5, 2015
Fitness industry growth is not only in niche studios, but also discount gyms.

Music-making and dysfunctional technology

Jul 27, 2015
Noise Makers continues with experimental electronic artist Sabisha Friedberg.