U.S. durable-goods orders rose 3.1% in December, boosted by a sharp increase in orders for commercial aircraft, though demand climbed across the board. Business-equipment spending rebounded.

December’s increase was the largest in three months.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported today that new orders for durable goods rose 3.1% last month to a seasonally adjusted total of US$221.9 billion. The gain followed a 2.2% November increase and was the strongest showing since an 8.7% September advance.

Orders for commercial aircraft surged by 26.5%, reflecting the sizable 212 plane orders that Boeing Co. booked during the month. There also were gains in a number of other industries, providing evidence that manufacturing is working its way through last year’s economic slowdown.