Barclays Capital recently upgraded their outlook on homebuilder stocks based on increased optimism in the housing market. Improvements in builder and consumer confidence, combined with economic growth and more favorable inventory levels, have homebuilders expecting a strong spring and summer for housing. Stephen Kim, an analyst with Barclays, says the spring selling season has arrived strongly enough to kick-start a positive feedback loop in housing for the first time since 2005. Barclays analysts expect 1 million housing starts by 2013 and gradual price increases over the next few years. More here and here.
