This week, the Census Bureau will report how many manufactured durable goods businesses ordered in May. Many manufacturers haven’t been making as many products, but certain types of equipment are still in high demand.

A burst of orders for Boeing in March juiced the durable goods data.

Rising orders for things like cars and dishwashers point to big improvements in global supply chains and few shortages, one economist says.

Orders for core capital goods hit a 40-year high in January. That’s because demand for manufactured goods is still high.

Some home builders are starting to figure out ways to adapt to shortages by stocking up and using alternative brands.

The decline’s mostly down to slipping orders for airplanes, while the core number increased by almost the same amount as in June.

Orders for long-lasting items rose 0.8% in June. The data could reflect trends in inflation, automation and the economic recovery.

Despite disruptions caused by bad weather and limited semiconductor supplies, durable goods shipments are up 2% year-over-year.

Orders for big-ticket items are a rare economic bright spot. But many businesses that rely on in-person customers are hurting.

Strong sales of big-ticket items like cars and business machinery are a positive sign, but they’re just one part of a much bigger equation.