Builders claim they're feeling better about their business, but the sales numbers are still not reflecting that. So all eyes are on the spring market, which could determine the fate of both the stocks and the earnings of the biggest builders.
Sales of newly built homes fell sharply in January, down nearly 7 percent month to month and down 4 percent compared with January 2018, according to the U.S. Census. This was a surprise, as builder sentiment jumped in January, according to the National Association of Home Builders.