U.S. PENDING HOME SALES DROP AS BUYERS HOLD BACK Pending home sales in the U.S. fell 0.8% in January, extending December’s 7.4% decline, defying economists’ forecasts of a 2% rise, according to the National Association of Realtors. Despite lower mortgage rates and slower price growth, buyers remain cautious. Sales fell most in the South and Northeast, while rising slightly in the Midwest and West. NAR warns tight supply could soon push prices up again, stressing the need for more home construction.(*Walter Bloomberg)