Big-ticket orders at U.S. factories dip a bit

WASHINGTON - U.S. factories saw slightly fewer orders for big-ticket manufactured goods in August, with a decline in aircraft orders accounting for the modest slip.

The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods were nearly flat in August, showing an $85 million fall from July to $226.9 billion. The result mostly stemmed from a steep 21.9 percent drop in the volatile category of commercial aircraft.

Total orders have slipped 0.6 percent so far this year to $1.8 trillion. Still, a critical category that reflects business investment -- and excludes aircraft -- advanced 0.6 percent for the third straight monthly gain.

American manufacturers have seen demand weaken this year, which is a drag for the overall U.S. economy. The strong dollar has hurt exports, while lower energy prices have reduced orders for drilling equipment and pipelines.