Housing remains weak, but improving. The Census Bureau reported that new home sales increased again in April, and that there were 117,000 new homes sold during the first four months of 2012. This compares to only 101,000 sold for the comparable period last year. This level of sales is historically very weak – and 2012 will probably be the 3rd worst year on record after 2011 and 2010 – but the increase in sales is important for both jobs and economic growth.  Source:  Calculated Risk