Homebuilder Sentiment in U.S. Shaken by Budget Battle

``Confidence among U.S. homebuilders fell to a four-month low in October, underscoring the toll that partisan brinkmanship in Washington and the federal government shutdown are exacting on the economy. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder sentiment decreased to 55 this month from a revised 57 in September that was weaker than initially estimated, the Washington-based group reported today. Readings above 50 mean more builders view conditions as good than poor.''