US pending home sales unexpectedly rose in February for a third month, adding to signs that the housing market may be stabilizing after a tumultuous year. The National Association of Realtors’ index of contract signings to purchase previously owned homes increased 0.8% last month to 83.2 — the highest since August — according to data released Wednesday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a 3% decline. The increase in sales indicates the housing market may be getting back on its feet after last year’s rapid run-up in borrowing costs. Mortgage rates eased last week to a six-week low, ... (full story)