WASHINGTON --  The U.S. government today reported that orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket durable goods fly higher in June, boosted by demand for commercial aircraft.

Durables orders rose 3.1% in June, well above the 1.7% gain previously forecast by Wall Street.

Commercial aircraft rose 8.8%, reversing two months of big declines. Last month, Boeing booked orders for 135 aircraft, up from 33 in May.

Analysts believe that output in the manufacturing sector will continue to rise in coming months but at a slower pace, reflecting an economy that is slowing under the impact of surging energy prices, rising interest rates and the cooling housing market.