Homebuilder optimism regains its footing

After sliding for much of this year, NAHB Builder Confidence continues to rebound and remains above its pre-pandemic highs.  Demand from potential homebuyers also picked up (bottom graph), bolstered by a recent drop in mortgage rates.  While stability in this leading indicator bodes well for the housing market in the months to come, bubblish home prices are a vulnerability that could cause significant damage when conditions inevitably unravel.