Homebuilder optimism boosted in August, as it has for four straight months, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Association of Home Builders. The Wells Fargo Housing Market Index value of 37 is two points up when compared with July. It’s the best industry data since February 2007. The index still requires growth by 14 points to crest 50, the breaking point between a good, as opposed to a poor, forecast by homebuilders.

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR) recently announced that James R. Mountain is going to take reign as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1, 2012. During the last trading session, the stock lost -0.13% and closed at $7.48 with the total traded volume of 7.34 million shares. ARR has earnings per share of $0.27 and its price to earnings ratio stands at 27.78.

Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) jumped the most in 9 months after reporting it would restate its earnings as the company has not released earnings since the third quarter of 2011. The stock experienced the gain of +0.83% and closed at $2.44. Its overall traded volume during last trading was 5.54 million shares lower than the average volume of 14.38million. Its stock price 52 weeks high was $3.30 and 52 weeks low price was $1.81.

American Capital Agency Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) moved down -1.40% and closed at $34.04 with the total traded volume of 6.56 million shares in the last trading session after Macquarie downgraded the stock from an outperform rating to a neutral rating. AGNC has earnings per share of $4.16 and its price to earnings ratio stands at 8.18. It has net profit margin of 49.43% and operating margin of 49.73%.

During the last trading session, General Growth Properties Inc (NYSE:GGP) gained +0.65% and closed at $18.65 with the total traded volume of 3.34 million shares. GGP has earnings per share of -$0.46.