The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell three points to 29 in October, its lowest level since June 2012 and below the 31 economists had forecast. Builders blamed the Middle East conflict, which pushed mortgage rates higher, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.40% last week, the highest in nearly three years, as well as labor shortages from an immigration crackdown and higher costs from tariffs. The share of builders cutting prices rose to 43%, the highest of the 2020-2026 period, while 65% used sales incentives. Buyer traffic fell five points to 18, its lowest since April 2012 excluding the pandemic's onset, as higher mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and weaker consumer confidence kept buyers on the sidelines.
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Related tickers and likely impact
SPY
▼ Likely negativeSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: medium
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/16/2026 | 763.31 |
| Change that session | -1.10% |
DXY
▼ Likely negativeRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/16/2026 | 101.78 |
| Change that session | -0.20% |
Impact is scored by AI from the headline and may be wrong. It is not investment advice.
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