Machinery orders rebounded in August on demand for electrical products, signaling that companies are willing to invest even as global economic growth slows and the yen stays near post-World War II highs.

Bookings rose 11 percent in August from July, the fastest rise in a year, the Cabinet Office said Wednesday. The indicator of capital spending in three to six months was projected to rise 3.9 percent, according to the median forecast of 31 economists. Orders fell 8.2 percent in July from June.

Wednesday's report contrasts with data last month that undershot economist forecasts, including exports, industrial output and retail sales.