"Stocks Fluctuate as Investors Shift Focus to Earnings Amid Mideast Tensions"

Homebuilder stocks fell as the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index remained flat in April, indicating potential demand growth but hesitance due to uncertainty over interest rates. The flat confidence level reflects prospective buyers and sellers staying put amid high home prices and limited housing stock. Higher-than-expected inflation prompted investors to scale back rate cut expectations, while mortgage rates rose to 6.88%, impacting borrower activity. Builders slightly reduced home prices and sales incentives in April.