Orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods fell by the most in nearly four years in January amid a sharp drop in bookings for commercial aircraft, while the outlook for business investment on equipment was mixed. The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday added to a series of data this month, including retail sales, housing starts and manufacturing production in suggesting the economy lost momentum at the start of the year. Some of the weak readings have been blamed on freezing temperatures last month as well as difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations at the start of the year. ... (full story)