Check out the latest from the respected Economists of the National Association of Home Builders.
The Financial Markets Still Need Time to Heal
The financial markets have come a long way since their near collapse a year ago. Some components are functioning close to normal while others need more time and a healthier economy to heal. (more)
Market Distress Peaked in October 2008
One way of measuring the distress in financial market is to look at the spread or difference in interest rates between the 3-month LIBOR — a market rate determined by borrowing and lending between large banks in London that is used as an index for short-term commercial loans — and the 3-month Treasury Bill. (more)
The Feds to the Rescue
Facing the prospect of a financial market collapse, the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department worked feverishly to provide liquidity to the financial markets, to prop up those entities that needed rescuing and to reassure the public. (more)
Financing for Housing Faces Major Hurdles
For about three years now, builders have faced increasing difficulty in obtaining AD&C loans. Not only have builders found it increasingly difficult to obtain these loans, but in many cases they have faced significant adverse changes to existing loans — including reductions in lines of credit, demands for increased equity for outstanding loans and, in some cases, demands for full repayment of outstanding loans. (more)
Is the Recession Over?
A number of commentators have been arguing recently that the current recession is over or that it is rapidly drawing to an end. Even Bernanke has joined the chorus. (more)
Housing Continues to Struggle
Most of the news from the housing sector of late has been good, but it must be kept in perspective. (more)