U.S. builder confidence index remains unchanged in September, interest rate cuts push sales expectations higher

According to Coinjie.com, on September 16 (UTC+8), the U.S. builder confidence index remained unchanged in September, but the lower mortgage rates and market expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon lower the federal funds rate have driven home sales expectations higher in the coming months. Buddy Hughes, president of the National Association of Housing Builders (NAHB), said that while builders are still coping with rising construction costs, the recent decline in mortgage rates in the past month should help stimulate housing demand. "The Fed is expected to lower the federal funds rate at this week's meeting, which will help lower loan rates for builders and developers. In addition, the average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in the past four weeks has dropped by 23 basis points to 6.35%, according to Freddie Mac data. This is the lowest level since mid-October and a positive signal for better housing demand in the future."