U.S. Factory Orders Up 2.1 Percent in May

April increase also revised upward according to the Commerce Department

Orders to U.S. factories rose in May, helped by a third straight month of stronger business investment. The gains suggest manufacturing may be picking up after a weak start to the year.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that factory orders rose 2.1 percent last month. April's increase was revised higher to 1.3 percent from 1 percent.