News summary: US homebuilder confidence steady
News summary: Survey shows US homebuilder confidence holds steady; outlook into next year dims
HOLDING STEADY: Confidence among U.S. homebuilders was unchanged this month from October, despite concerns among some builders that another fight over the federal budget could cause would-be buyers to put off home purchases.
THE NUMBERS: The latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index registered at 54. October's reading was revised one point lower from its initial estimate. Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor.
SALES OUTLOOK: Builders' outlook for single-family home sales over the next six months fell one point to 61.