Builders Are Most Upbeat Since 2005 on Improving U.S. Home Sales

Builders are more upbeat about the U.S. real-estate market than at any time in the last decade as better job prospects fuel home sales.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo sentiment gauge held at 60 in July, matching the previous month as the highest since November 2005, the Washington-based group said Thursday. Another report showed fewer workers filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, signaling employers are resisting cutbacks as the economy improves.