Homebuilder Blues: NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builder Ratings January 2012

Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their latest Housing Market Index (HMI) showing that all measures increased in January with the composite HMI index climbing to 25, the highest level seen since mid-2007, while the "buyer traffic" index climbed to 21.

While all indicators made notable increases in January, it's important to note that conditions still remain distressed by historic standards.

The new home market will likely not resume any significant form of healthy function until the considerable overhang of inventory is cleared.