Business demand for big-ticket goods has softened in recent months, a sign that stress from the housing and credit markets is damaging other sectors of the slowing U.S. economy.

• 近几个月来，伴随着美国经济逐步放缓，企业对资本性商品的需求出现疲软，显示住房和信贷市场的压力正在向其他经济领域传导。