Marketwatch reports the S&P/Case-Shiller national index of house prices rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7% during the three months that ended in September, and it’s up 6.2% compared to the same period a year ago. The 20-city index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.5% for the month and 6.2% for the year. Case-Shiller’s national index regained its previous, bubble-era peak last year and is 5.9% higher as of September. But the 20-city index, skewed toward the metro areas that experienced the biggest booms, is still 1.5% shy of its 2006 high. An analysis by Trulia shows that only 38% of U.S. homes have recovered their pre-recession peaks.
The Conference Board reports consumer confidence surged again in November, with the index jumping to 129.5 from 125.9 in October. That’s the highest reading since November 2000 and exceeded the expectation of economists. The indices for future expectations, current conditions. and present situation all rose.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
