Planes, Electronics Lift Factory Orders To A 2% Advance.(A)(ORDERS)

WASHINGTON (AP) - Stronger demand for airplanes and electronics helped orders to American factories bounce back in August after a record plunge. Economists said the report is further evidence the economy is growing at a slower but still healthy pace.

Factory orders rose a surprising 2% in August to a seasonally adjusted $382.5 billion, the third increase in the past four months, the Commerce Department reported.

"The pace of manufacturing acti

vity is sure but slowing," said the National Association of Manufacturers' economist Gordon Richards.

August's increase came after a record 8.1% drop in factory orders in July, an even sharper drop …