USA: Pending Home Sales Rebound in February.

US pending home sales increased by 1.8% month-over-month in February 2026, reversing two consecutive months of declines and surpassing market expectations of a 0.5% drop. Regional performance varied, with gains in the Midwest (+4.6%), South (+2.7%), and West (+0.9%), while the Northeast saw a decline (-3.6%). On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales fell by 0.8%. According to NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, the modest rise in pending contracts reflects improved affordability conditions, though this progress could be threatened if rising oil prices push mortgage rates higher. Yun noted that the Midwest, being the most affordable region, led the gains in February, while the Northeast struggled due to elevated home prices and limited supply.