Existing-Home Sales Fall 8.4% in January 2026 Despite Improving Affordability

Source: Dukascopy Bank SA
Existing-home sales declined sharply in January 2026, falling 8.4% across all four major U.S. regions—West, Midwest, South, and Northeast, compared with the previous month, according to the National Association of Realtors. Total sales volume dropped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million units. The median existing-home sales price was $396,800, and housing inventory stood at 3.7 months' supply. The Pending Home Sales Index also declined, posting a 9.3% decrease, signaling continued softness in contract activity.

Unusually harsh winter weather, including colder-than-normal temperatures and heavier-than-normal precipitation, was cited as a likely contributing factor. Given those conditions, it remains unclear whether January's decline represents a temporary weather-related disruption or the beginning of a broader downward trend.



Despite the drop in sales activity, affordability conditions are gradually improving, housing affordability is at its strongest level since March 2022, supported by wage growth outpacing home price increases and mortgage rates trending lower than a year ago. However, the housing market continues to face persistent supply constraints, with inventory levels remaining below what is typically considered a balanced market.
Back to articles

Actual Topics

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:55:04 GMT

Canada's Labour Market Shows Mixed Signals as Jobs Dip and Wages Rise

In January 2026, employment in Canada edged down slightly, causing the employment rate to fall to 60.8 percent. Despite this, the unemployment rate dropped to 6.5 percent because fewer people were actively looking for work. Part-time jobs declined, while full-time employment increased. Private sector employment fell, while public sector employment remained mostly unchanged. Average hourly wages rose 3.3 percent year-over-year

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:10:32 GMT

Bank of England Keeps Policy Tight as Inflation Pressures Ease

On 4 February 2026, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee judged that maintaining the Bank Rate at 3.75% was appropriate, as inflation remains above the 2% target but is expected to return to around target from April, supported by lower energy prices and measures in Budget 2025. While pay growth and services inflation are easing, they are still above

Subscribe to "Fundamental Analysis" feed

Subscribe
To learn more about Dukascopy Bank CFD / Forex trading platform, SWFX and other trading related information,
please call us or make callback request.
For further information regarding potential cooperation,
please call us or make callback request.
To learn more about Dukascopy Bank Binary Options / Forex trading platform, SWFX and other trading related information,
please call us or make callback request.
To learn more about Dukascopy Bank CFD / Forex trading platform, SWFX and other trading related information,
please call us or make callback request.
To learn more about Crypto Trading / CFD / Forex trading platform, SWFX and other trading related information,
please call us or make callback request.
To learn more about Business Introducer and other trading related information,
please call us or make callback request.
For further information regarding potential cooperation,
please call us or make callback request.