NEW YORK (Reuters) - New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods rose more than expected in May as bookings for transportation equipment rebounded strongly, according to a government report on Friday that could allay fears of a sharp slowdown in factory activity.

London shares closed higher on Wednesday as investors consolidated positions in subdued trade against a backdrop of slowing economic growth and persistent eurozone debt fears.

New orders for manufactured durable goods fell in April as aircraft orders shrank nearly a third from March, official data showed Wednesday.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures pointed to a weak start for Wall Street on Wednesday, following a late sell-off in the previous session, with futures for the S&P 500, for the Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq down 0.1 to 0.3 percent by 5:06 a.m. EDT.

The Nasdaq Composite index hit its highest level in more than 10 years Wednesday as US stocks pushed upward after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods rose more than expected in March and bookings for the prior month were much stronger than initially thought, pointing to continued strength in the manufacturing sector.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell as expected last week, with the four-week moving average dropping to it lowest level in more than 2-1/2 years, showing the labor market healing was becoming entrenched.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New orders for long-lasting manufactured goods unexpectedly fell in February after a strong showing in January, a government report showed on Thursday, hinting at decelerating manufacturing activity.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The global economic impact from Japan's earthquake and nuclear crisis may go beyond the modest GDP hit most number crunchers predict.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for jobless aid fell last week, indicating healing in the labor market, but declines in new home sales and orders for a range of factory goods in January showed the recovery remains uneven.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for jobless aid fell last week, indicating labor market healing, but declines in new home sales and orders for a range of factory goods in January showed the recovery remains uneven.

Summary Box: Total durable goods orders fall but demand up outside of autos and airplanes. DURABLE GOODS: Orders for long-lasting manufactured goods fell 1.3 percent in November, reflecting weakness in demand for airplanes and autos.

Fewer people apply for jobless benefits; factory orders rise; consumers spending up. Economic reports Thursday suggest employers are laying off fewer workers, businesses are ordering more computers and appliances, and consumers are spending with more confidence.

Manufacturing orders outside of transportation rise 2.4 pct., biggest increase since March. Orders for long-lasting manufactured goods outside of the volatile transportation category rose by the largest amount in eight months in November. Factories saw demand increase for computers, appliances and heavy machinery.

New orders for US manufactured goods fell for the first time in four months in October under pressure from weak demand for durable goods, the government said Friday.

Factory orders fall 0.9 percent in October, biggest dip since May, as airplane orders plunge. Orders to U.S. factories fell in October by the largest amount in five months, reflecting a big drop in demand for aircraft.

Economists expect a drop in orders to US factories in October. Orders to U.S. factories likely fell in October, reflecting a big decline in demand for long-lasting manufactured goods.

Economic data reveal a hint of consumer merriness, but it hasn't spread to businesses yet. Americans are earning and spending more, companies are shedding fewer workers and hopes are rising for the economy as the holiday shopping season starts.

Summary Box: US stocks on increase in income, consumer spending and lower unemployment claims. POSITIVE DATA: American incomes rose 0.5 percent last month, while spending rose 0.4 percent. First-time claims for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 407,000, the lowest level in more than two years.

Summary Box Copper ticks up as traders hope for stronger demand. DOWNBEAT DATA: Prices for copper and some other industrial metals rose even as the government said durable goods orders and housing sales fell last month.