U.S. homebuilders grow more upbeat

WASHINGTON — U.S. homebuilders grew slightly more optimistic about the housing market in August, putting their confidence at levels last seen a decade ago during the debt-fueled housing boom.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Monday rose this month to 61, the highest level since November, 2005. The reading was 60 in June and July. Any reading above 50 indicates more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor.

Builders’ view of sales conditions and buyer traffic improved in August, while sales prospects over the next six months were stable.