NEW YORK — The outlook from U.S. builders is being buoyed by a strong job market and a sizzling hot economy.
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Thursday read 72 for the second consecutive month. That's still just 2 points shy of December's reading, which was an 18-year high for optimism among the nation's builders.
Readings above 50 indicate more builders see sales conditions as good rather than poor. The index has been above 60 since September 2016.
The February reading was in line with the expectations of industry analysts, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet.
Builders' view of current sales conditions fell slightly, though the outlook for sales over the next six months rose two points, to 80. A measure of buyer traffic held steady at 54.
"Builders are excited about the pro-business political climate that will strengthen the housing market and support overall economic growth," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, in a statement.
Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.