Fitch softens outlook for homebuilders

``Fitch Ratings believes homebuilders could face negative rating actions in the coming months as the economy slugs through a weak recovery... the pressures have already prompted Fitch to downgrade Beazer, KB Home and Pulte in recent weeks... "The outlook does not look promising either with home prices likely to remain soft over at least the next few quarters," said Curran. "Stagnant employment and declines in real income may also pile on the already formidable pressure homebuilders are feeling."''