The index, which tracks contract signings for purchases of previously owned homes, climbed 5.5%
By Ben Leubsdorf | The Wall Street Journal
A gauge of upcoming U.S. home sales firmed in February.
The National Association of Realtors pending home sales index, which tracks contract signings for purchases of previously owned homes, climbed 5.5% in February from the prior month to 112.3, its highest level since April 2016 and the second-highest reading since May 2006.
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a more modest 2.1% gain.
