This week, KB Home and Lennar Corp. each reported a steep loss for the quarter ending in August. The government reported sales of new homes slipped again last month, while a trade group said a 10-month supply of existing homes is sitting on the market unsold.

Executives from KB Home and Lennar said the market is suffering from sinking prices, an oversupply of homes for sale and restricted access to mortgage loans for potential home buyers.

Many analysts, economists and homebuilding executives were incorrect in predicting the bottom of the housing spiral early this year. Now, many analysts say they do not expect a recovery until at least next year.

Shares of most homebuilders are now trading at their cheapest prices in at least four years, having steadily declined since the middle of 2005. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange Housing Sector Index eclipsed 280 in July 2005 and on Friday hovered around 158. Earlier this month, the index touched its lowest level since October 2003.

On Friday, shares of KB Homes rose 35 cents to $25.06. Lennar shares added 15 cents to $22.65. Shares of Pulte Homes slipped 5 cents to $13.61. Shares of Toll Brothers Inc. fell 2 cents to $19.99. Shares of Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. gained 22 cents to $11.09. Shares of Beazer Homes USA Inc. slipped 33 cents, or 3.9 percent, to $8.25.

(This version CORRECTS Lennar reported earnings this week, not Pulte Homes, UPDATES quotes)