Stocks surge as waves of U.S. economic data — featuring durable-goods orders shock and new-home-sales pickup — inspire recovery hopes. Durable goods tends to be very erratic, but the number was so good that it can't be ignored. However, many traders are extremely skeptical that they data is accurate. The January figure was revised sharly downward, and others have suggested that the durable goods pick-up may be due to tax refunds being spent.U.S. sales of newly constructed housing jump nearly 5%, bouncing back from January's record low. New home sales should be good this time of year. Spring is when home sales tend to pick up anyway, but it all may be due to seasonal factors. The government data refers to "seasonal adjustments". To me, that says that the numbers are doctored.
