Factory orders had been the economy's one engine of growth.

Factory orders rose 1.2 percent, the biggest increase in five months.

In the first quarter, factory orders were off 12.2 percent.

A separate report showed that factory orders increased for the month.

And factory orders were probably flat for the month, after rising 1.5 percent.

The last time factory orders had risen was in October, when they were up 2.4 percent.

Factory orders jumped 2.3 percent in December, to $343.5 billion, a record.

March leading economic indicators and factory orders released in Washington.

When that component is excluded, factory orders rose only 1 percent.

Tomorrow reports are due on the leading indicators for March and factory orders.