U.S. Homebuilders Gain a Little Confidence in February

More encouraging news on the housing front, as the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index -- boosted by the federal homebuyer tax credit -- unexpectedly rose to 17 in February from 15 in January -- the first gain in five months for the index. This measure gathers builders' perceptions of current single-family sales, sales expectations for the next six months and traffic of prospective buyers. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.