Contractors & Builders

More encouraging news on the housing front, as the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index -- boosted by the federal homebuyer tax credit -- unexpectedly rose to 17 in February from 15 in January -- the first gain in five months for the index. This measure gathers builders' perceptions of current single-family sales, sales expectations for the next six months and traffic of prospective buyers. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

Fourpattana unveils its latest strategy, i.e. “Next To..Fourpattana Group”, for 2010 following its successful restructure of its organization in order to prompt the company for all home building segments. As parts of its preparation for its 30th anniversary, the company has set an annual sale target of 615 million Baht in 2010 while pushing Fourpattana Interior to actively seek more shares in interior market. Given its successful track record and growing market awareness, the company will maintain its policy to use event marketing as its winning tool to reach out to its customers and is launching its new campaign, i.e. “Open Love Box and Get Red Pouch”, to stimulate purchasing power in 1H10.

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- More than 40 U.S. homebuilders have teamed up with private equity firms to acquire and complete unfinished subdivisions as banks cut construction lending.

LONDON (Reuters) - UK-listed housebuilders are reclaiming their investible status as the housing market edges towards growth in 2011 and beyond, rejuvenating share prices, asset values and eventually, profitability.