The Commerce Department reported two positive pieces of economic data today. In February, new home sales rose 4.7 percent and durable goods orders rose 3.4 percent.
These figures are positive, but I find them a tad frustrating because they always come with qualifiers. 
Let me explain.
The new home sales figure is supposed to measure the sales of newly built, single-family homes.
According to MarketWatch, this figure came in at a “seasonally adjusted annual rate” of 337,000.  This makes for positive news since economists were expecting 323,000 units.
Why it sends mixed signals:
1. The number could be inflated since it includes canceled contracts.
2. Last month’s activity and median sales price are …read more

The sales of new homes dropped by a record amount in 2007, while sales prices had their weakest showing in 16 years. If that’s not enough to shake builder confidence, what is?

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that sales of newly built homes fell to a 12-year low in November.