Weak U.S. factory, consumer confidence data cloud growth outlook

Orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods rebounded far less than expected in March as demand for automobiles, computers and electrical goods slumped, suggesting the downturn in the factory sector was far from over. Tuesday's report from the Commerce Department also implied that business spending and economic growth were weak in the first quarter. The U.S. central bank is expected to leave its benchmark overnight interest rate unchanged on Wednesday.