Two ETFs Likely To Be Hit By Increased Foreclosures

Despite a slowdown in foreclosure filings in December 2010, Irvine-based real estate database seller and tracker, RealtyTrac, expects the number of US households receiving foreclosure notices to significantly jump in 2011, putting additional stress on the US economy, homebuilders and the SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB) and the PowerShares Dynamic Building & Construct (PKB).

The total number of foreclosure filings in December totaled 257,747, marking the lowest monthly tally since June 2008 and an eight percent decrease from the prior month.  Furthermore, RealtyTrac suggests that this decline was driven by increased scrutiny over lenders and their practices.   Lenders in all 50 states are being investigated on whether or not banks and loan servicers used faulty documents and signatures on loan documents to execute and issue loans for those who did not qualify.