News in end use

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index declined 0.5% in September to a reading of 99.7 (2016=100), following a 0.3% decline in August.

Zillow reported that America’s housing stock continues to grow faster than it did before the pandemic-induced housing frenzy, as builders race to fill a shortage.

Housing starts in September were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,354,000, 0.5% below the August estimate of 1,361,000.

After a mild pullback over the previous year, spending for improvements and repairs on owner-occupied homes is set to expand once again by the middle of 2025, JCHS reported.

Pending home sales jumped 2.5% month-over-month in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, the largest increase since January 2023, Redfin reported.

A NAHB analysis of FDIC data shows the volume of total outstanding AD&C loans during Q2 posted the largest year-over-year percentage decline since 2012.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose 2 points in October, the second consecutive increase.

According to the ESR Group, the economy now appears to be on firmer footing than previously thought.

Investment in building construction edged 0.2% higher in August, following a 1.6% decrease in July. Year-over-year, investment grew 7.2%.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.44%, up from last week when it averaged 6.32%, Freddie Mac reported.