21.01.202615:00:00UTC+00US Pending Home Sales Index Drops to 71.8 in December

The United States' housing market witnessed a notable downturn as the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) declined to 71.8 in December 2025. This marks a significant drop from the index level of 79.2 in November, according to the latest data updated on January 21, 2026. The latest figures highlight continuing challenges in the real estate sector amid economic uncertainties.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a crucial metric for the U.S. housing market that forecasts housing activity, suggests a potential slowdown in real estate transactions, as contracts signed in December failed to keep pace with the previous month. This contraction in the index demonstrates an 8.6% decrease month-over-month, raising concerns about the housing demand and buyer sentiment entering the new year.

Economic analysts are closely monitoring these results as they provide insights into housing supply and demand dynamics. The decline may reflect a response to broader economic conditions or evolving market trends that could influence future sales and the nation's economic outlook. The coming months will reveal whether this contraction is a temporary fluctuation or a more sustained trend. As the market adapts, stakeholders are eager for subsequent data releases that may provide clarity and context to December's downturn.