U.S. stocks gain on improved housing outlook

Date: Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:01:03 -0500

U.S. STOCKS GAIN ON IMPROVED HOUSING OUTLOOK
U.S. stocks rise Tuesday as better-than-expected pending home sales
and a surprise quarterly profit from builder D.R. Horton boosted
sentiment toward the housing sector, while analysts' ratings upgrades
also provide a lift.

U.K. WON'T PROSECUTE MADOFF SECURITIES
The U.K.'s Serious Fraud Office said Tuesday that it won't take any
action against either Madoff Securities International or the
investment firm's directors following a 13-month investigation.

PENDING HOME SALES UP 1%, RECOVER FROM NOV. PLUNGE
Buyers return to the market for U.S. preowned homes in December after
a federal tax credit gets reinstated, data compiled by the National
Association of Realtors show.