Confidence among homebuilders surged in December to an 11-year high on prospects the election of Donald Trump will translate into a smaller regulatory burden on the industry, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
The
The post-election bounce in sentiment among builders is consistent with other data showing American industries are optimistic Trump will make it easier for companies to do business. While homebuilders in all four U.S. regions were more upbeat, the backdrop for the industry includes rising mortgage rates and shortages of available lots and skilled workers.
"Though this significant increase in builder confidence could be considered an outlier, the fact remains that the economic fundamentals continue to look good for housing," NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said in a statement. "The rise in the HMI is consistent with recent gains for the stock market and consumer confidence. At the same time, builders remain sensitive to rising mortgage rates and continue to deal with shortages of lots and labor."
Builder confidence climbed the most in the Northeast, with the index rising to 59 in December from 47, while sentiment rose to 86 from 76 in the West. The NAHB index rose in December for the first time in three months.