In the third quarter so far, homebuilders are a top five group out of 158 in the S&P 1500 Composite Index. The group of stocks has risen 20 percent this quarter, approaching a record high. Year-to-date, homebuilder shares are up 21 percent against a 16 percent gain by the broader S&P 500.

In the third quarter, D.R. Horton’s stock is up 31 percent, beating all but two other stocks in the S&P 500 Index. Lennar shares have soared by 19 percent in the same period.

Homebuilders also appear to be benefiting from a rare discussion of the housing market taking place at the highest political level in the nation, with affordability as a hot topic in the run-up to the presidential election in November. 

Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to build 3 million homes — either for rent or ownership — by the end of her first term if she’s elected president. The reality of her goal is questionable, however, as the rules governing the construction of homes largely live on the local level, limiting federal power over the process.