U.S. factory orders unexpectedly surged in April and a barometer of capital spending by U.S. businesses also jumped, according to government data released today.

Orders for manufactured goods increased 1.1%, following a revised 1.5% advance in March, the U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday. Originally, factory orders were seen 1.4% higher in March.

Economists had forecast factory goods orders a mere 0.1% higher in April.

Yesterday, the Institute for Supply Management on Monday reported its May manufacturing index rose to 49.6 from 48.6, an improvement but not a satisfactory result. Numbers under 50 indicate contractionary activity.

Today’s factory data showed demand for durable goods fell in April, down 0.6%.

Factory orders in April for nondefense capital goods orders excluding aircraft increased 4.0%, after sliding by 1.0% in March. Those bookings are seen as a yardstick for capital spending by businesses.

Nondurable goods factory orders climbed in April by 2.8%, after increasing 3.1% in the prior month.

Orders for goods made in the transportation sector plunged 7.9%, after falling 5.1% in March. Nonmilitary aircraft and parts orders fell 24.4%, after increasing 8.7% in March. Defense aircraft and parts orders fell 4.9%, after rising 6.8% in March. Ships and boats fell 13.6%, after decreasing 22.2% in March. Orders for motor vehicle bodies and parts dropped 4.2%, after increasing 1.6% in March.

Excluding transportation orders, overall factory orders rose 2.6% a second consecutive month. Capital-goods orders fell 1.3%, after decreasing 0.3% in March.

Defense capital-goods orders rose 1.4%, after plunging 13.2% in March. Without defense orders, overall factory orders rose 1.3%, after increasing 1.7% in March. Defense capital goods industries include, among others, communications equipment, aircraft and missiles.

Demand for all nondefense capital goods — business equipment meant to last 10 years or more — slid 1.5%, after rising 1.4% in March.

Consumer-goods orders increased 3.0%, with consumer durable-goods orders down 0.4% and consumer non-durables 3.7% higher.

Orders increased in April by 4.1% for machinery, 2.6% for primary metals, and a record 28.1% for electrical equipment.

Orders decreased in April by 1.2% for fabricated metals and 2.3% for computers and electronic products.

The report showed April factory shipments increased 2.2%. Unfilled orders, a sign of future demand, were 0.9% higher. Inventories of manufacturers were unchanged.