WASHINGTON -- New orders for manufactured durable goods in January fell 10.2% to $207.2 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today.  The decrease follows three consecutive monthly increases, including 2.5% in December.

Shipments also fell after three straight monthly increases, declining 1.3% to $219.7 billion.

January is typically a slower period as consumer spending eases following the holiday period.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods fell 0.8% to $633.1 billion, breaking a strong of eight consecutive monthly increases.

Inventories rose for the fifth straight month, growing 0.3% to $286.7 billion.

Nondefense new orders for capital goods in January dropped 20% percent to $71.6 billion. Defense new orders fell 64.3% to $2.4 billion.