Eye On Housing
Builders and developers continue to report easing credit conditions for acquisition, development, and construction (AD&C) loans according to NAHB’s survey on AD&C financing. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the overall net tightening index based on the AD&C survey improved (i.e., declined) from -31.0 to -35.7. The index is constructed so negative numbers indicate easing of credit; positive tightening, so… Read More ›
After more than five years of persistent tightening, NAHB’s survey on Acquisition Development & Construction (AD&C) financing finally shows conditions stabilizing somewhat in the first quarter of 2012. After such a protracted period of decline, however, the stability comes at a very low level of credit availabity. The NAHB survey results remain somewhat at odds with a similar net tightening… Read More ›
The latest release of the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book indicates that economic activity expanded at a “modest to moderate pace” in nearly all 12 Fed Districts. The sole exception was the Richmond District, and even there local economic activity was described as being at worst flat versus the previous reporting period. Participants noted a solid increase in consumer spending activity… Read More ›
Consumer confidence remained at levels close to the darkest days of the Great Recession, but there was some disagreement among the two most frequently used measures about where confidence is rising or falling. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey showed consumer confidence moving in opposite directions during October. The University of… Read More ›