Homebuilders get a new tax break and the extension of an existing one. This aid may not be needed as the industry has survived its business cycle's trough.

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Friday's session are Chevron Corp., Duke Energy Corp., and NYSE Euronext Inc.

Standard Pacific Corp. shares lead residential housing stocks lower on Monday after a Wall Street analyst downgraded the home builder on valuation concerns.

BOSTON (MarketWatch) -- Home-builder stocks have been at the forefront of the market's recent charge on hopes the economy and housing markets are stabilizing, but the rally could be short-lived if second-quarter earnings reports disappoint.

The collapse of the U.S. housing bubble hasn't finished reverberating around the globe, but one question's already being heard in investing circles: Is it time to get back into housing stocks?