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NAHB Housing Market Index: "Builder Confidence Posts Solid Gain in May" by Jill Mislinski, 5/15/19

https://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/2019/05/15/nahb-housing-market-index-builder-confidence-posts-solid-gain-in-may

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) is a gauge of builder opinion on the relative level of current and future single-family home sales. It is a diffusion index, which means that a reading above 50 indicates a favorable outlook on home sales; below 50 indicates a negative outlook.

The latest reading of 66 is up 3 from last month.

Here is the opening of this morning's monthly update:

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes rose three points to 66 in May, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Builder sentiment is at its highest level since October 2018.

“Builders are busy catching up after a wet winter, and many characterize sales as solid, driven by improved demand and ongoing low overall supply,” said NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde. “However, affordability challenges persist and remain a big impediment to stronger sales.”

“Mortgage rates are hovering just above 4% following a challenging fourth quarter of 2018 when they peaked near 5%. This lower interest rate environment, along with ongoing job growth and rising wages, is contributing to a gradual improvement in the marketplace,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “At the same time, builders continue to deal with ongoing labor and lot shortages and rising material costs that are holding back supply and harming affordability.”