As markets try to look through the blizzard of policy changes flowing out of Washington, the crowd has shifted its preferences considerably in recent weeks based on a sector lens. Using a set of ETFs as proxies, healthcare is now the leading sector performer year to date, taking the lead from financials, based on prices through Wednesday’s close (Feb. 26).

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New US home sales fell sharply in January. “New home sales will continue to struggle with fewer homes coming to market due to tepid buying activity,” says CoreLogic chief economist Selma Hepp. “Even though homebuilders continue to offer buyer incentives, high mortgage rates, mixed with continued price appreciation, keep the eligible pool of homebuyers restricted to higher income individuals.”

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