WRAPUP 2-Manufacturer results point to better U.S. home mkt

* Whirlpool raises 2009 EPS view to $4.25 from $3.50-$4.00

* Gives brighter U.S. industry shipment view

* Says demand in the U.S. stabilizing, at lower levels

* Fortune Brands cites stabilization in new homes market

* Whirlpool shares touch year-high, Fortune up 4.1 pct (Adds conference call comments, analyst response)

By Dhanya Skariachan

NEW YORK, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Quarterly results for Whirlpool Corp (WHR.N), Fortune Brands Inc (FO.N) and several other manufacturers pointed to slight improvement in the U.S. housing market, sending the companies' shares higher.

The news came as the National Association of Realtors reported sales of previously owned U.S. homes surged to a two-year high in September. [ID:nN2390489]

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