Non-durable goods orders also posted the steepest decline since that period, falling 2.0%.

WSJ: Jobless Claims Increase

Because of technology, there are less people needed to manufacture and service the durable equipment that we use because this stuff is working better and for a much longer period of time.

FORBES: 9.2% Unemployment? Blame Microsoft.

Most think a prolonged period of easy monetary policy and a slow release of pent-up demand for durable goods and homes can yield growth of at least 3%.

ECONOMIST: The American economy