Lower rates will drive home turnover and housing stocks Mortgage rates have dropped by more than 100bps since last fall and housing stocks have responded. But while lower rates should in theory be good for demand, signs of improvement are modest so far. Many buyers remain on the sidelines as they await a further drop in rates. On the supply side, the new rate regime should reduce lock-in and allow more existing homes to come to market. This might seem to balance the increased demand, but Rafe Jadrosich also points out that home sellers usually become buyers. Plus, lower rates could drive the many high-income renters into the housing market. A pickup in transactions and housing turnover should benefit building products stocks from a cyclical standpoint. And some of these products also benefit from secular tailwinds.   You may also enjoy listening to the Merrill Perspectives podcast, featuring conversations on the big stories, news and trends affecting your everyday financial life.   "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.