US homebuilder sentiment hits highest level since Oct. 2005

U.S. homebuilders are feeling slightly more optimistic about the housing market, nudging their confidence this month to a level not seen since the high-flying days of the housing boom nearly 10 years ago.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released today rose this month to 62, up from 61 in August. The last time the reading was higher was October 2005 at 68.

Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor. The index has been consistently above 50 since July last year, reflecting a gradual rebound in sales of new homes.

A measure of current sales conditions and builders' view of traffic by prospective buyers rose this month. But builders' outlook for sales over the next six months declined slightly.