Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 

Blog Home
   Brian Wesbury
Chief Economist
 
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
   Bob Stein
Deputy Chief Economist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 
  New Single-Family Home Sales Rose 16.6% in April to a 619,000 Annual Rate
Posted Under: Data Watch • Home Sales • Housing
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 

Implications: New home sales soared in April to the fastest pace in eight years, while annual revisions pushed up numbers for the first three months of 2016 as well. To say that the April number came in higher than expected is an understatement; it beat even the most optimistic forecast by more than 80,000. It's important to remember that home sales data are very volatile from month to month, so while April saw a blowout number, it's important not to get too carried away and to keep focusing on the trend, which remains positive. We think there are a couple reasons to expect housing to remain a positive factor for the economy in the months ahead. First, employment gains and the beginning of a thaw in mortgage financing. Second, wage growth seems to be picking up, putting the prospect of buying a home in reach for more people. Third, the homeownership rate remains depressed as a larger share of the population is renting, leaving plenty of potential buyers as conditions continue to improve. And remember that, unlike single-family homes which are counted in the new home sales data, multi-family homes (think condos in cities) are not counted in this report. So a shift back towards single family units will also serve to push reported sales higher. The inventory of new homes fell 1,000 in April and remains very low by historical standards (see chart to right). Moreover, the recent recovery in inventories has been led by homes where construction is still in progress, or has yet to begin. As a result, homebuilders still have plenty of room to increase both construction and inventories. Prices also surged in April, with median sales prices now up 9.7% in the past twelve months, consistent with the gains reflected in other recent home price measures. In other news this morning, the Richmond Fed index, which measures mid-Atlantic factory sentiment, fell to -1 in May from +14 in April, signaling a pullback in activity. Despite the slowdown, survey respondents continued to report a positive outlook on business conditions in the months to come.

Click here for a PDF version     

Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 @ 12:05 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
 PREVIOUS POSTS
Fed Teeing Up Rate Hike
M2 and C&I Loan Growth
Existing home sales increased 1.7% in April to a 5.45 million annual rate
Housing Regulation Hurdles
Industrial Production Increased 0.7% in April
The Consumer Price Index Increased 0.4% in April
Housing Starts Increased 6.6% in April
Forget About Macy's
M2 and C&I Loan Growth
Retail Sales Increased 1.3% in April
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Expand 20242024
Expand 20232023
Expand 20222022
Expand 20212021
Expand 20202020
Expand 20192019
Expand 20182018
Expand 20172017
Expand 20162016
Expand 20152015
Expand 20142014
Expand 20132013
Expand 20122012
Expand 20112011
Expand 20102010

Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.