Money

New Home Sales During SEPTEMBER 2026

2026-10-27T12:44:56.960-04:00

The September, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (revised): 680,000

Actual New Home Sales: 676,000

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Month-on-Month Change: -4,000 units (-0.59%)
Year-on-Year Change: -38,000 units (-5.32%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During SEPTEMBER, 2026: $400,400

Year-on-Year Change: -$16,400 (-3.93%)

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Average Price for a New Home
During SEPTEMBER, 2026: $472,800

Year-on-Year Change: -$34,000 (-6.71%)

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Inventory: 476,000 (-11,000 units / -2.26% Year-on-Year)

8.4 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home

SEPTEMBER, 2026 Update

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

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Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the yellow-highlighted figure above is the seasonally adjusted and annualized number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for the indicated month.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.

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Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Consumer Sentiment: FINAL Results for OCTOBER 2026

2026-10-26T05:14:21.673-04:00

Here are the FINAL Results of the University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS), for October, 2026:

Predicted: 48.0

Actual: 48.0

=========

Change from Previous Month: -0.21% (-0.1 point)

Change from 12-Months Previous: -10.45% (-5.6 points)

=========

Final ICS Reading for September, 2026: 48.1
Final ICS Reading for October, 2025: 53.6

=========

From Today's Report:

"...Consumer sentiment held steady this month, registering a scant one-tenth of an index point below September. Increases in sentiment among Republicans and Democrats were balanced by declines among independents.

While year-ahead business conditions improved about 14%, they stand 16% less than last October’s read. This month’s decline in the Current Conditions subindex was driven entirely by buying conditions for durables, which plunged 18% on the basis of higher interest rates and rising concerns about the affordability of such purchases.

Purchasing power continues to dominate consumer views of the economy. Sentiment is now 10% below a year ago and 15% less than February, just prior to the Iran [invasion].

Year-ahead inflation expectations ticked up from 4.6% last month to 4.7% this month. The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% seen in February before the Iran [invasion] began, along with all 2024 readings. Long-run inflation expectations also stepped up from 3.4% in September to 3.5%, notably higher than their 2024 range of 2.8% to 3.2%.

Inflation expectations over both time horizons increased for the second straight month to their highest readings since May. See today’s special report for additional historical context for long-run inflation expectations..."

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CHART: Pain of High Prices
Escalates Since January 2026

=========

The ICS is derived from the following five survey questions:

"We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
"Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from now you (and your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?"
"Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole, do you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?"
"Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely: that in the country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment or depression, or what?"
"About the big things people buy for their homes, such as furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?"

=========

Click here for more on how the ICS is calculated.

=========

The ICS uses a 1966 baseline, i.e. for 1966, the ICS = 100. So any number that is below the 1966 baseline of 100 means that the folks who were polled recently aren't as optimistic about the U.S. economy as those polled back in 1966.

The ICS is similar to the Consumer Confidence Index in that they both measure consumer attitudes and offer valuable insight into consumer spending.

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The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

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Click here to view the full University of Michigan report.

=========

Existing Home Sales During SEPTEMBER 2026

2026-10-25T10:48:36.153-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for September, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®) this morning:

======================

Previous Month: 3,930,000

Actual: 3,990,000

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Change from Previous Month: +1.53% (+60,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): -2.21% (-90,000 homes)

======================

Inventory: 1,600,000 homes.

(4.8 months supply | +70,000 [+4.58%] homes Y-o-Y.)

======================

The yellow-highlighted, "actual" figure above represents the preliminary, seasonally adjusted annualized sales count of existing homes, co-ops and condominiums for the indicated month. The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

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Median Price: $417,500
Price Change from A Year Ago: +1.26% (+$5,200)

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==========

Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

==========

From Today's Report:

"...'Despite the small monthly gain on a seasonally adjusted basis, August and September marked the two slowest months for home sales this year,' said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. 'Further increases in mortgage rates in recent weeks mean fewer buyers can qualify to purchase a home.'

'Higher inventory and lengthening days on market give buyers improved negotiating power. Home sellers need to be realistic about local market conditions, which could require price discounts and other incentives to attract buyers,' Yun said..."

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CHART: 15- & 30-Year

Mortgage Rates History, USA

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Click here to view the NAR® data.

==================

My Uncle Got Sucked Into A "Home Depot" Phishing Scam

2026-10-22T06:16:00.000-04:00

So, I am on WhatsApp, checking out some family conversations, when I receive a message from my uncle. Message reads:

"The Home Depot 40th Anniversary. Click to enter to participate in the survey. Have a chance to win $ 8,000! BeneficialYear.TOP"

Right away, red flags go up. Looks extremely suspicious, but I click the link anyway, because I want to see what the scam looks like, so that I can warn others.

Here's a capture of the URL, and the page it took me to:

www.FedPrimeRate.com: Phishing Scam Image 1

=======

When I reloaded the page, I was taken to a totally different URL:

www.FedPrimeRate.com: Phishing Scam Image 2

First of all, if this is a survey from The Home Depot, then why on Earth would I be redirected to 2 different URLs? And why would one of the domain names use a .CN top level name, meaning it's registered in China?

Moreover: all the navigation links don't work, and the same if you try to "up" or "down" vote in the comments section.

As I investigated further, I found that Firefox is aware, and warning folks:

www.FedPrimeRate.com:
Mozilla FireFox Warning
- Deceptive Site Ahead

=======

Please people: don't forward suspicious messages to friends and family without checking them out. You could end up doing serious harm to people you care about.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE SAFETY WARNINGS <<<

>>> CLICK HERE for SCAM ALERT: HOW TO AVOID BANKING AND OTHER TRENDING SCAMS; KNOW THE RED FLAGS <<<

New Home Sales During AUGUST 2026

2026-10-22T03:50:50.197-04:00

The August, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (revised): 643,000

Actual New Home Sales: 684,000

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Month-on-Month Change: +41,000 units (+6.38%)
Year-on-Year Change: -14,000 units (-2.0%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During AUGUST, 2026: $393,700

Year-on-Year Change: -$24,200 (-5.79%)

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Average Price for a New Home
During AUGUST, 2026: $478,700

Year-on-Year Change: -$46,400 (-8.84%)

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Inventory: 483,000 (-10,000 units / -2.03% Year-on-Year)

8.5 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home

AUGUST, 2026 Update

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

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Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for SEPTEMBER 2026

2026-09-29T23:20:12.490-04:00

The Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (September, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

================

Predicted: 85.0

Actual: 81.9

================

Previous Month (revised): 88.6

Change from Previous Month: -7.56% (-6.7 points)

================

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'The Consumer Confidence Index deteriorated notably in September, following two prior months of softening,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. 'The Present Situation Index fell sharply, while the Expectations Index slipped further into negative territory. Consumer appraisals of current business conditions became negative for the first time since September 2024. Perceptions of the current labor market also worsened, though remained within positive territory. Over the next six months, consumers expected both business conditions and the labor market to weaken. Consumers still anticipated their household incomes to rise, but less so compared to previous months.'

Peterson continued: 'Consumers’ write-in responses regarding factors affecting the economy were mostly pessimistic in September. References to prices, the high cost of goods and services, and oil and gas prices in particular, rose to new heights, reflecting September’s surge in fuel costs. Comments about war/conflict eased this month but remained elevated. Consumers also frequently cited politics, trade, and employment in their write-in responses, though to a lesser extent.'..."

================

Every month, The Conference Board sends a questionnaire to 5,000 U.S. households. Survey participants are polled about their feelings regarding the U.S. economy, current and future, and about their own fiscal circumstances. On average, 3,500 participants complete and return the 5-question survey.

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

When consumers feel good about the economy, they tend to do more spending, and vice versa.

Based in New York City, The Conference Board ® is a private, not-for-profit organization with a mission to, "create and disseminate knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society."

The CCI is usually released on the last Tuesday of the month.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

SEPTEMBER 2026 Update

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Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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Consumer Sentiment: FINAL Results for SEPTEMBER 2026

2026-09-27T23:36:36.276-04:00

Here are the FINAL Results of the University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS), for September, 2026:

Predicted: 48.0

Actual: 48.1

=========

Change from Previous Month: -6.96% (-3.6 points)

Change from 12-Months Previous: -12.7% (-7.0 points)

=========

Final ICS Reading for August, 2026: 51.7
Final ICS Reading for September, 2025: 55.1

=========

From Today's Report:

"...Consumer sentiment ticked down less than four index points in September, reaching the lowest reading in four months and down 15% from January 2026. Views of current and year-ahead expected personal finances both weakened about 10% this month, with concerns over high prices continuing to climb.

Buying conditions for durables improved a bit, in part due to a perception that completing such purchases now would help consumers avoid higher prices in the future. The short-run outlook for business conditions plunged amid renewed worries that elevated fuel prices and re-escalating trade disputes could pass through to the economy as a whole.

Overall, interviews reveal broad agreement across the political spectrum that the outlook for the economy has weakened since the beginning of the year. After particularly large declines in sentiment this month, Republican sentiment is now 20% lower than January 2026; Democrats are down 13% over the same period.

Year-ahead inflation expectations jumped from 4.0% last month to 4.6% this month, the highest reading since June. The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% seen in February before the Iran [invasion] began, along with all 2024 readings. Long-run inflation expectations ticked up to 3.4%, ending three consecutive months at 3.3%. These expectations remain higher than their 2024 range of 2.8% to 3.2%..."

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CHART: Index of Consumer Sentiment
Final Results
September 2026 UPDATE

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The ICS is derived from the following five survey questions:

"We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
"Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from now you (and your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?"
"Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole, do you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?"
"Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely: that in the country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment or depression, or what?"
"About the big things people buy for their homes, such as furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?"

=========

Click here for more on how the ICS is calculated.

Click here to view the full University of Michigan report.

=========

Consumer Sentiment: PRELIMINARY Results for SEPTEMBER 2026

2026-09-13T10:55:24.647-04:00

The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) - PRELIMINARY Results for September, 2026 was released today:

Predicted: 48.0

Actual: 47.8

=========

Change from Previous Month: -7.54% (-3.9 points)

Change from 12-Months Previous: -13.25% (-7.3 points)

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Final ICS Reading for August, 2026: 51.7
Final ICS Reading for September, 2025: 55.1

=========

From Today's Report:

"...Consumer sentiment receded less than 4 index points for the second consecutive month of decreases. Democrats and Republicans alike posted sizable declines, while independents were little changed from August.

Year-ahead expectations for both personal finances and business conditions plunged. With a resurgence in fuel prices and trade tensions, consumers anticipate greater pressures on their pocketbooks to come.

Five-year expected business conditions remained stable at readings well below their historical average, suggesting that consumers believe that emerging risks this month may not have further worsened the long-run outlook.

Overall, sentiment is now 16% below February, prior to the start of the Iran [invasion], and 13% lower than a year ago.

Year-ahead inflation expectations jumped from 4.0% last month to 4.6% this month, the highest reading since June.

The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% seen in February before the Iran [invasion] began, along with all 2024 readings.

Long-run inflation expectations ticked up to 3.4%, ending three consecutive months at 3.3%. These expectations remain higher than their 2024 range of 2.8% to 3.2%..."

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CHART: Gasoline and Tariff Concerns
Both Drive Recent Changes
in Inflation Expectations
=========

The ICS is derived from the following five survey questions:

"We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
"Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from now you (and your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?"
"Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole, do you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?"
"Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely: that in the country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment or depression, or what?"
"About the big things people buy for their homes, such as furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?"

=========

Click here for more on how the ICS is calculated.

Click here to view the full University of Michigan report.

=========

Existing Home Sales During AUGUST 2026

2026-09-11T13:49:43.955-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for August, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®) this morning:

======================

Previous Month: 4,060,000

Actual: 3,980,000

======================

Change from Previous Month: -1.97% (-80,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): -1.24% (-50,000 homes)

======================

Inventory: 1,620,000 homes.

(4.9 months supply | +90,000 [+5.88%] homes Y-o-Y.)

Median Price: $429,100
Price Change from A Year Ago: +1.6% (+$6,700)

------------------------------------------------------

==========

Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

==========

From Today's Report:

"...'Mortgage rates and home sales move in opposite directions, so it's not surprising to see a mild dip in home buying activity due to high mortgage rates,' said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. 'Still, home prices are rising, and existing home sales are actually up 1.6% year-to-date through the first eight months of the year. Homebuying demand, despite higher interest rates, is no doubt being supported by rising wages, which grew 3.1% in August, along with 643,000 net new jobs added since the start of the year. Job creation and wage growth typically drive housing demand.'

Yun continued, 'The number of months it would take to exhaust the total inventory at the current sales pace has grown to 4.9 months’ supply -- its highest level in over ten years. The ample supply of homes for sale on the market is giving homebuyers better opportunities to negotiate..."

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CHART: 15- & 30-Year
Mortgage Rates History, USA

==================

Click here to view the NAR® data.

==================

Consumer Sentiment: FINAL Results for AUGUST 2026

2026-08-28T10:44:05.173-04:00

The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) - FINAL Results for August, 2026 was released today:

Predicted: 51.0

Actual: 51.7

=========

Change from Previous Month: -6.34% (-3.5 points)

Change from 12-Months Previous: -11.17% (-6.5 points)

=========

Final ICS Reading for July, 2026: 55.2
Final ICS Reading for August, 2025: 58.2

=========

From Today's Report:

"...Consumer sentiment confirmed its early month reading, falling about 6% from last month and landing about 11% below a year ago amid continued worries that inflation will remain elevated for the foreseeable future. Sentiment declines in August were seen for all political groups and were particularly acute among Republicans.

Moreover, groups who are typically less-equipped to absorb increases in cost of living also exhibited stronger decreases in sentiment, including older consumers, lower- and middle-income consumers, and those with no stock holdings.

With ongoing policy uncertainty, including the Iran invasion, consumers anticipate further increases in gasoline prices both in the short and long run. In addition to the pocketbook issues that have been central to consumers’ views of the economy, they are increasingly worried that prospects elsewhere in the economy could be weakening.

Expected year-ahead business conditions fell back 10%, along with a 13% drop for the five-year horizon.

Any re-escalation of trade tensions will likely exacerbate these trends. This release covers interviews completed between July 28 and August 24.

Year-ahead inflation expectations ticked down from 4.2% in July to 4.0%. The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% seen in February before the Iran invasion began, along with all 2024 readings. Long-run inflation expectations held steady at 3.3% for the third consecutive month, remaining a bit higher than its 2024 range of 2.8% to 3.2%..."

=========

The ICS is derived from the following five survey questions:

"We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
"Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from now you (and your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?"
"Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole, do you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?"
"Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely: that in the country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment or depression, or what?"
"About the big things people buy for their homes, such as furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?"

=========

Click here for more on how the ICS is calculated.

Click here to view the full University of Michigan report.

=========

New Home Sales During JULY 2026

2026-08-26T05:37:24.849-04:00

The July, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (revised): 678,000

Actual New Home Sales: 607,000

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Change from 1-Month Previous: -71,000 units (-10.47%)
Change from 1-Year Previous: -41,000 units (-6.33%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During JULY, 2026: $393,800

Change from One-Year Previous: -$3,500 (-0.88%)

***************************

Average Price for a New Home
During JULY, 2026: $508,800

Change from One-Year Previous: +$26,000 (+5.39%)

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Inventory: 488,000 (-8,000 units / -1.61% Year-on-Year)

9.6 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home

JULY, 2026 Update

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

================================

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for AUGUST 2026

2026-08-26T01:29:02.475-04:00

The Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (August, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

================

Predicted: 90.0

Actual: 89.4

================

Previous Month (revised): 90.2

Change from Previous Month: -0.89% (-0.8 point)

================

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'Consumer confidence moderated slightly in August for a second consecutive month,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. 'The Expectations Index slipped further into negative territory, which was offset by a moderate rise in the Present Situation Index after declining in the past three months.

Consumer appraisals of current business conditions were mildly positive. Perceptions of the current labor market improved, reversing three months of moderate decline. Looking ahead, consumers were more pessimistic about business conditions and the labor market over the next six months. Expectations for household incomes moderated but remained optimistic overall.'..."

================

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

AUGUST 2026 Update

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Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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Existing Home Sales During JULY 2026

2026-08-11T00:14:00.000-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for July, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®):

======================

Previous Month: 4,130,000

Actual: 4,060,000

======================

Change from Previous Month: -1.69% (-70,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): +0.74% (+30,000 homes)

======================

Inventory: 1,540,000 homes.

(4.6 months supply | -10,000 [-0.65%] homes Y-o-Y.)

Median Price: $434,100
Price Change from A Year Ago: +1.97% (+$8,400)

------------------------------------------------------

==========

Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

==========

From Today's Report:

"...'Home sales have been remarkably stable, even amid the rising mortgage rate environment of the past few months,' said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. 'Year-to-date sales are up 2.4% and there’s no doubt that the housing market would be thriving if average mortgage rates were to return near 6%.'

Yun continued, 'Though the national data shows stabilization, there are notable local market variations. In smaller cities, and particularly in the Midwest, an annual household income of $60,000 would be sufficient to buy a median-priced home. Working with an agent who is a REALTOR® will help you better pinpoint what’s happening in your area.'..."

==================

CHART: 15- & 30-Year

Mortgage Rates History, USA

==================

Click here to view the NAR® data.

==================

Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for JULY 2026

2026-07-28T19:55:54.603-04:00

Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (July, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

================

Predicted: 91.0

Actual: 90.8

================

Previous Month (revised): 92.2

Change from Previous Month: -1.52% (-1.4 points)

================

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...Consumer Assessments of the Present Situation Softened for a Third Straight Month

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® decreased by 1.4 points to 90.8 (1985=100) in July, down from an upwardly revised 92.2 in June. The Present Situation Index -- based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions -- fell by 3.6 points to 114.9, its third consecutive monthly decline.

The Expectations Index -- based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions -- remained unchanged at 74.7. The survey period for this month’s preliminary results was July 1–22, encompassing ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

'Consumer confidence moderated slightly in July, continuing a general downward sloping trajectory since late 2021,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. 'The Present Situation Index was less positive for a third consecutive month while the Expectations Index remained in negative territory.

Consumer appraisals of current business conditions and, to a lesser extent, perceptions of the current labor market both softened. Looking ahead, consumers anticipate little improvement in business conditions over the next six months, but expectations for the labor market were slightly less negative. Expectations for household incomes moderated but remained optimistic overall.'..."

================

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

================

CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

JULY 2026 Update

========================================

Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

=========================================

New Home Sales During JUNE 2026

2026-07-24T19:57:34.344-04:00

The June, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (revised): 618,000

Actual New Home Sales: 628,000

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Change from 1-Month Previous: +10,000 units (+1.62%)
Change from 1-Year Previous: -37,000 units (-5.56%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During JUNE, 2026: $398,300

Change from One-Year Previous: -$10,900 (-2.66%)

***************************

Average Price for a New Home
During JUNE, 2026: $475,400

Change from One-Year Previous: -$33,300 (-6.55%)

------------------------------------------------------
Inventory: 485,000 (-16,000 units / -3.19% Year-on-Year)

9.3 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

------------------------------------------------------

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
JUNE, 2026 Update

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

================================

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

================================

Existing Home Sales During JUNE 2026

2026-07-10T01:21:15.744-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for June, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®) this morning:

======================

Previous Month: 4,190,000

Actual: 4,090,000

======================

Change from Previous Month: -2.39% (-100,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): +2.76% (+110,000 homes)

======================

Inventory: 1,560,000 homes.

(4.6 months supply | +20,000 [+1.3%] homes Y-o-Y.)

Median Price: $440,600 (New Record-High)
Price Change from A Year Ago: +1.83% (+$7,900)

------------------------------------------------------

==========

Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

==========

From Today's Report:

"...'The back-and-forth in monthly home sales activity, driven by mild fluctuations in mortgage rates, shows how sensitive home buyers are to affordability conditions,' said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. 'However, job gains -- more than half a million since the beginning of the year -- will continue to provide support for the housing market.'

'The median home price has reached an all-time high. Even so, affordability is better than a year ago because wage growth is outpacing home price growth,' Yun continued. 'However, progress on long-term housing affordability could be hampered if inventory growth continues to stall. Without consistent gains in inventory, home prices can accelerate. It is critical to introduce more supply to the market to widen the opportunity for homeownership.'..."

==================

CHART: 15- & 30-Year
Mortgage Rates History, USA

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Click here to view the NAR® data.

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for JUNE 2026

2026-06-30T23:08:00.000-04:00

Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (June, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

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Predicted: 92.0

Actual: 91.2

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Previous Month (revised): 90.6

Change from Previous Month: +0.66% (+0.6 point)

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The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'Consumer confidence inched up in June as falling oil prices in recent weeks provided some relief to consumer inflation fears,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. 'Consumer appraisals of current business conditions were slightly more positive compared to last month.

However, perceptions of the current labor market softened measurably as the percentage of consumers saying jobs were ‘hard to get’ rose to 22.5%, the highest level since January 2021 (22.8%).

Moreover, consumers anticipate little change in the labor market six months from now. This was offset by improving expectations for business conditions and incomes.'..."

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The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

JUNE 2026 Update

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Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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New Home Sales During MAY 2026

2026-06-24T13:44:12.001-04:00

The May, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (revised): 626,000

Actual New Home Sales: 580,000

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Change from 1-Month Previous: -46,000 units (-7.35%)
Change from 1-Year Previous: -42,000 units (-6.75%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During MAY, 2026: $424,900

Change from One-Year Previous: +$100 (+0.024%)

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Average Price for a New Home
During MAY, 2026: $540,600

Change from One-Year Previous: +$25,800 (+5.01%)

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Inventory: 496,000 (-7,000 units / -1.39% Year-on-Year)

10.3 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
MAY, 2026 Update

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

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Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for MAY 2026

2026-06-14T10:24:37.404-04:00

Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (May, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

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Predicted: 92.0

Actual: 93.1

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Previous Month (revised): 93.8

Change from Previous Month: -0.75% (-0.7 point)

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The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'Consumer confidence edged downward in May as the inflationary impacts of the [invasion of Iran] intensified,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. 'Consumer appraisals of current business conditions and the current labor market were moderately less positive compared to last month.

This was somewhat offset by modest improvements in consumers’ expectations for business conditions and the labor market six months from now. Meanwhile, income expectations eased in May, as those anticipating less income rose.'..."

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The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

MAY 2026 Update

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Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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Existing Home Sales During MAY 2026

2026-06-09T20:04:45.598-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for May, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®) this morning:

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Previous Month: 4,040,000

Actual: 4,170,000

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Change from Previous Month: +3.22% (+10,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): +3.22% (+130,000 homes)

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Inventory: 1,550,000 homes.

(4.5 months supply | +10,000 [+0.65%] homes Y-o-Y.)

Median Price: $429,300
Price Change from A Year Ago: +1.32% (+$5,600)

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Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

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From Today's Report:

"...'More Americans are on the move, with home sales rising to the highest level since December. This is great news for the housing market and the economy,' said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. 'Improving affordability is helping drive this momentum. Even with mortgage rates ticking up compared to earlier in the year, they remain lower than a year ago and are essentially at the long-term historical average. Income gains are also outpacing home price growth by a small margin in most parts of the country.'

'The new record-high May home price reflects solid fundamentals for homeowners and ongoing supply constraints,' Yun said. 'Only 1% of all home sales involved a foreclosure or an underwater situation in which the sale price could not cover the outstanding mortgage balance. This shows that homeowners are on solid financial footing.'

'Increased home sales mean more economic activity -- lawn care, furniture purchases, moving services, mortgage originations and other related business activities all get a boost,' Yun added..."

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CHART: 15- & 30-Year
Mortgage Rates History, USA

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Click here to view the NAR® data.

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Consumer Sentiment: FINAL Results for MAY 2026

2026-06-09T03:22:27.468-04:00

The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) - FINAL Results for May, 2026 was released today:

Predicted: 45.0

Actual: 44.8

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Change from Previous Month: -10.04% (-5.0 points)

Change from 12-Months Previous: -14.18% (-7.4 points)

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Final ICS Reading for April 2026: 49.8
Final ICS Reading for May 2025: 52.2

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From Today's Report:

"...Consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month as supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to boost gasoline prices. Sentiment is now just below the previous historical trough seen in June 2022. The cost of living continues to be a first-order concern, with 57% of consumers spontaneously mentioning that high prices were eroding their personal finances, up from 50% last month.

Lower-income consumers and those without college degrees posted particularly strong sentiment declines; these groups are more sensitive to increases in the cost of gas and other essentials.

Independents and Republicans saw decreases in sentiment, with both groups reaching their lowest readings of the current presidential administration.

Meanwhile, sentiment of Democrats was little changed from last month. Critically, consumers appear worried that inflation will increase and proliferate beyond fuel prices, even in the long run.

Year-ahead inflation expectations inched up from 4.7% last month to 4.8% this month. The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% reading seen in February 2026 prior to the start of the Iran invasion, along with all 2024 readings.

Long-run inflation expectations climbed from 3.5% in April to 3.9% in May, notably higher than the 2.8% to 3.2% range seen in 2024. This month’s increase in long-run expectations reflects sizable jumps among independents and Republicans. For the latter group, long-run inflation expectations are currently more than double their February 2025 reading on a monthly basis..."

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CHART: Short-Run Expectations Worsened Since
February 2026, Long-Run Expectations Following Suit
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The ICS is derived from the following five survey questions:

"We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
"Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from now you (and your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?"
"Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole, do you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?"
"Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely: that in the country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment or depression, or what?"
"About the big things people buy for their homes, such as furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?"

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Click here for more on how the ICS is calculated.

Click here to view the full University of Michigan report.

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New Home Sales During APRIL 2026

2026-05-29T09:24:14.216-04:00

The April, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (unrevised): 663,000

Actual New Home Sales: 622,000

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Change from 1-Month Previous: -61,000 units (-6.18%)
Change from 1-Year Previous: -79,000 units (-11.27%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During APRIL, 2026: $422,500

Change from One-Year Previous: +$8,900 (+2.15%)

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Average Price for a New Home
During APRIL, 2026: $508,800

Change from One-Year Previous: -$5,500 (-1.07%)

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Inventory: 489,000 (-11,000 units / -2.20% Year-on-Year)

9.4 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
APRIL 2026 Update

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

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Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Existing Home Sales During APRIL 2026

2026-05-12T14:54:00.000-04:00

Existing Home Sales report for April, 2026 was released by The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®) this morning:

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Previous Month: 4,010,000

Actual: 4,020,000

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Change from Previous Month: +0.25% (+10,000 homes)
Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y): FLAT

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Inventory: 1,470,000 homes.

(4.4 months supply | +20,000 [+1.38%] homes Y-o-Y.)

Median Price: $417,700
Price Change from A Year Ago: +0.89% (+$3,700)

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==========

Click Here for Historical Prices and a Chart.

Click Here for New Home Sales Data.

Click Here for the monthly New Home Sales report.

==========

From Today's Report:

"...'Despite mixed macroeconomic signals -- including a record-high stock market and historically low consumer confidence -- home sales were modestly boosted by the continued improvement in housing affordability,' said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. 'Mortgage rates are lower from a year ago, and average income growth is outpacing home price gains.'

Yun continued, 'Inventory still remains tight. Multiple offers, though not as intense as a few years ago, are still occurring. At the same time, days on market are lengthening on average, implying that consumers are taking their time before making decisions.'

'The increase in second-home purchases reflects stronger finances among higher-income households, as well as the post-COVID rise in remote work and hybrid job schedules.'..."

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Click here to view the NAR® data.

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New Home Sales During MARCH 2026

2026-05-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

The March, 2026 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department:

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Previous Month (unrevised): 635,000

Actual New Home Sales: 682,000

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Change from 1-Month Previous: +47,000 units (+7.40%)
Change from 1-Year Previous: +22,000 units (+3.33%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During MARCH, 2026: $387,400

Change from One-Year Previous: -$25,500 (-6.18%)

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Average Price for a New Home
During MARCH, 2026: $503,100

Change from One-Year Previous: -$6,100 (-1.2%)

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Inventory: 481,000 (-23,000 units / -4.56% Year-on-Year)

8.5 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
MARCH 2026 Update

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.

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Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for APRIL 2026

2026-05-04T14:30:00.000-04:00

Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (April, 2026) was released by The Conference Board®:

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Predicted: 90.0

Actual: 92.8

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Previous Month (revised): 92.2

Change from Previous Month: +0.65% (+0.6 point)

================

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices,' said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board.

'Consumer appraisals of current and expected business conditions declined moderately compared to last month. This was offset by modest improvements in consumers’ perceptions of the labor market, both current and expected, as well as income expectations, which were slightly more optimistic in April.'..."

================

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI)

APRIL 2026 Update

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Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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