WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Orders for core U.S.-made capital goods rose more than expected in November, suggesting that business spending on equipment maintained a steady growth pace in the fourth quarter.

The fifth consecutive monthly rise in what is known as core capital goods orders, announced by the Commerce Department on Monday, followed data last week showing strong consumer spending in October and November, reinforcing experts' expectations that the economy continued its strong performance in the final three months of 2025.

Increased corporate investment in equipment and the overall economy comes despite President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports, which weakened much of the manufacturing sector. However, some industries have received a boost from protection against foreign competition. The artificial intelligence boom has also bolstered the technology sector.

Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets, said, "Many companies postponed their investment plans for some time last year while awaiting greater clarity on policy, particularly regarding tariffs."

He added, "While the uncertainty is far from over, executives appear to have reached the point where they have enough information to move forward."

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Statistics said that orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, a closely watched indicator of business spending, rose 0.7 percent after a downwardly revised 0.3 percent increase in October.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast that core capital goods orders would rise 0.3 percent after increasing 0.5 percent in October.

The report's release was delayed due to the 43-day federal government shutdown. Another shutdown looms following the second fatal shooting by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, over the weekend.