February’s NAHB homebuilders’ index has continued its recent recovery, rising to 48 from 44, a fourth straight gain in response to mortgage rates moving off their highs in late 2023.
If mortgage rates start to move higher again the recovery in the NAHB index would be likely to stall, but in recent weeks mortgage rates have been fairly stable.
The data is a useful signal for new home sales. February’s NAHB gain was reflected in all three components of the index.