"Stocks Fluctuate Amid Rising Bond Yields and Mideast Tensions: Live Updates"

Homebuilder stocks fell as the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index remained flat in April, indicating potential demand growth but hesitance from buyers due to uncertainty over interest rates. The flat confidence level among builders reflects how prospective buyers and sellers are staying put amid high home prices and limited housing stock. Higher-than-expected inflation last week led investors to scale back rate cut expectations, while mortgage rates have risen, reaching 6.88% for the 30-year fixed rate. Builders have slightly reduced home prices and sales incentives, anticipating future rate cuts and moderation in mortgage rates in the second half of the year.