The gain, reported by the Commerce Department's Census Bureau, beat economists' 0.5% forecast and was the biggest monthly increase since November.
Orders were driven by a 3.6% jump in computers and electronics to $29.6 billion, while electromedical, measuring and control instruments rose 7.9% to a record $10.6 billion.
Non-durable goods orders climbed 2.1% to their highest since October 2022, though manufacturers still face higher input costs and longer delivery times after tariffs and the US-Israeli war with Iran.
As AI devours microchips, will the global 'chip winter' lead to soaring prices and delays for everyday gadgets?
With the Strait of Hormuz blockaded, what is the true cost of the AI boom on global energy security?
Can the AI boom's insatiable energy demand be met without crippling power grids and raising consumer electricity bills?