Last week's economic reporting included readings on housing market conditions, sales of previously owned homes, and housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.
The National Association of Home Builders reported a housing market index reading of 74 in February; the index reading was one point lower than for January and was only two points below the highest reading of 76 reported in December. Readings over 50 indicate that most builders consider housing market conditions to be positive.
Last week's economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing markets; the National Association of Realtors(R) released data on sales of previously-owned homes and the Commerce Department released readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
Home Builder sentiment rose one point in July according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. 2019 builder confidence in housing market condition continued to fall short of 2018 levels. July's Housing Market Index reading of 65 was one point higher than June's reading.
Homebuilder confidence dropped two points in June according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. June's index reading was 64, which indicates strong sentiment among home builders for current housing market conditions.
The National Association of Home Builders reported the highest builder confidence reading in seven months for May. May's reading exceeded expectations for an index reading of 64 and rose three points to 67.
Home builder confidence increased in April to an index reading of 63, which was one point higher than for March and the highest reading in six months. Analysts said that April's reading revealed more about housing market conditions in the past six months than it was an indicator of future market conditions.