The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported the housing market index (HMI) was at 67 in January, down from 69 in December. Any number above 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.
From CNBC: Homebuilder confidence pulls back by 2 points in January after election euphoria
A monthly sentiment index retreated 2 points in January, and December’s seven-point jump was revised down by one. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) now stands at 67.
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“NAHB expects solid 10 percent growth in single-family construction in 2017, adding to the gains of 2016,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Concerns going into the year include rising mortgage interest rates as well as a lack of lots and access to labor.”Regionally, on a three-month moving average, sentiment in the Northeast rose two points to 52 and rose three point in the Midwest to 64. The South and West each held steady at 67 and 79, respectively.
emphasis added
Click on graph for larger image.
This graph show the NAHB index since Jan 1985.
This was below the consensus forecast of 69, but still another solid reading.