NVR, Inc. (NYSE: NVR ) has led the pack with year-to-date gains in excess of 45%. Economists were calling for an economic recession, home-builder activity dropped due to adverse weather conditions, mortgage rates rose as inflation expectations picked up and renting remained the Millennial fad. Home-builder stocks have roared higher in 2017 as interest rates have remained low, unemployment has contracted, wages have grown, builder confidence has soared and Millennials have started buying homes .