Builder Confidence Index Hits 16-Year Low

Problems in the mortgage market are creating more headwinds for homebuyers, and a monthly survey indicates that builders are not anticipating a pick-up in sales anytime soon.The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell two points in August to 22 -- its lowest level since January 1991, when the index stood at 20. "There is no question that problems in the subprime mortgage sector have spilled over to other components of the housing finance, including alt-A and jumbo markets, delaying a revival of the single-family housing market," said NAHB chief economist David Seiders. But Mr. Seiders acknowledged that the government-related part of the mortgage market, where Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration operate, is "functioning well."