U.S. Home Builder Confidence Rises to Highest Level in 9 Months

[trottigy]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-home-builder-confidence-rises-to-highest-level-in-nine-months-1434376803

 

 

The National Association of Home Builders’ confidence index rose five points to a reading of 59 in June, the industry group said Monday. A reading above 50 means most builders generally hold a favorable view of the market for newly built, single-family homes.

 

Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a June confidence reading of 56.

 

Measures of current and future sales expectations “are at their highest levels since the last quarter of 2005, indicating a growing optimism among builders that housing will continue to strengthen in the months ahead,” NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe said in a statement.

 

“At the same time, builders remain sensitive to consumers’ ability to buy a new home,” Mr. Crowe said.