Orders for U.S. durable goods rose more than forecast in May, reflecting broad-based gains that signal manufacturing is stabilizing. Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years climbed 3.6 percent for a second month, the Commerce Department reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 81 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a 3 percent increase. Excluding transportation equipment, where demand is volatile month to month, orders advanced 0.7 percent, also topping projections. Growing demand for cars and trucks and gains in homebuilding are helping counter weakness in export markets, benefiting ... (full story)