XHB

It is impossible to escape the negativity toward bonds these days. And with good reason, I suppose, since the returns from the asset class have been lousy for some time.

Payroll data keeps the Fed in a position to consider another rate hike. Strong jobs, sticky inflation, rising yields, and an oil surge are all factors keeping a September Fed hike in play.

The S&P 500’s real estate sector was the only one to close in the red, falling 0.79%. The broader index rallied close to half a percent.

Median prices of new homes sold in the United States are declining. Builders are boosting incentives to improve affordability.

The article is a sector ETF report for XHB, the State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF.

Most Case‑Shiller home prices have returned to new highs. More than half of the 20 cities tracked hit all‑time highs in June after a brief dip earlier this year.

Real estate and utilities are losing ground. The S&P 500’s percentage of stocks above their 50‑day moving average fell to 53.7%, the lowest reading since June 17.

Mixed U.S. stocks followed Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole remarks, which lifted yields. AI optimism buoyed tech, while REITs lagged.