With slow sales, builder confidence is unchanged

Homebuilder confidence remained flat in December as the industry braced for a slow holiday season, the National Association of Homebuilders reported today..

The group said the typical cold-weather slowdown in sales activity was being reinforced by continuing weakness in the job market, the rising number of foreclosures and short-sales, as well as by challenging credit conditions for both builders and buyers.    - Alan J. Heavens