Core Viewpoint - The housing sector is facing significant challenges, with major homebuilder ETFs experiencing declines and mortgage rates remaining above 6%, impacting builder performance and stock prices [1][4][10]. Group 1: Market Performance - The XHB homebuilder ETF has dropped 2%, reaching its lowest level in over two months, while the ITB construction ETF is on track for its worst week of the year [1]. - Major homebuilders like DHI, PY Homes, and Toll Brothers have seen stock declines of 10% or more since Monday, indicating a broader market downturn [2]. - The ITB is down 20% from its all-time highs, suggesting underlying issues in the housing market [12]. Group 2: Mortgage Rates and Builder Strategies - Although mortgage rates have decreased from their highs, they remain above 6%, which is a significant barrier for builders [1][11]. - Builders are reportedly buying down an average of 100 basis points in mortgage rates, effectively lowering rates to below 5.5%, but this strategy is margin destructive [4][10]. - The structural profitability problem in the housing industry is exacerbated by increased input costs and labor issues, making lower rates insufficient to improve profitability [10][11]. Group 3: Inventory and Pricing Pressure - There is an observed increase in inventory across various regions, which is expected to put pressure on pricing and subsequently affect stock performance [3][4]. - New home prices are reportedly cheaper than existing homes for the first time, indicating a shift in market dynamics [9]. Group 4: Broader Economic Implications - The current challenges in the housing market may be indicative of broader economic issues, including potential tariff implications on earnings and supply-side dynamics affecting corporate margins [8][10]. - The home improvement sector may see activity pick up if mortgage rates decline, presenting a potential area of interest for investors [10][12].

Core Insights - Aggregate corporate margins remain at high levels, indicating strong profitability across the sector [1] - Consumers have been largely shielded from rising prices, suggesting effective pricing strategies by companies [1]

Joining me now is Bank of America Sevita Subaranian. Uh Sevita, you've been looking at how a softening labor market impacts corporate margins and I'm assuming they impact margins in different ways. Uh how do you kind of connect what you saw from today's report with how investors should be positioning for different sectors moving forward.Yeah, I I mean I think today's report does not necessarily mean that we are in a downward spiral in terms of economic growth. In fact, I think things still look pretty healt ...