US factory orders rose 1.8% in September, exceeding the 1.2% consensus forecast and accelerating from August's upwardly revised 0.3% gain. Orders excluding transportation increased 1.3%, while orders excluding defense jumped 2.0%, signaling broad-based manufacturing strength. Durable goods orders were revised higher to +1.9%, and core capital goods orders improved to +0.6%, with shipments rising 1.2%.