reading of builder sentiment didn't budge this month, staying stuck a long way from what economist david crowe calls a mild comfort level. that's also what crowe is expecting to learn from readings later this week on home sales and housing starts. >> i don't think we are going to see any barn burners. this is not a recovery that is just going to leap forward at a moment. it's going to continue to be a slow process. >> reporter: 2011 was the worst year on record for new home sales. but this year investors seem confident the worst is over. as a group, stocks of home builders are up 26% year to date, double the gain for the broader market. pointing to an improving labor market, low mortgage rates and plenty of pent-up demand, investors think survivors of the brutal housing bust are well- positioned for the future. >> i think a lot of the home but builders still have to compete with foreclosures and falling prices in many markets. >> we've yet to see any significant surge in starts or sales on the new side, so i think those stock price movements are anticipatory of an improving market. >> reporter