Homebuilder confidence fell to its lowest level since 2012 in the latest NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, a 14-year low driven by rising mortgage rates and higher energy and material costs. Robert Dietz, NAHB Chief Economist, said these factors keep more buyers on the sidelines. Builder confidence edged up in March according to Mortgage News Daily, but remained subdued; the headline index rose one point to 38, still below the breakeven level of 50. NAHB Chairman Bill Owens said affordability remains a top concern for buyers and builders, who face elevated land, labor and construction costs. Dietz also pointed to global events and energy prices as headwinds, while efforts to reduce regulatory burdens could help improve long-term housing supply.
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Related tickers and likely impact
SPY
▼ Likely negativeSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/16/2026 | 763.25 |
| Change that session | -1.11% |
Impact is scored by AI from the headline and may be wrong. It is not investment advice.
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