NYT: Sales of Existing Homes Near 2-Year Low; Consumer Confidence Ebbs

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/business/01econ.html?hp&ex=1141189200&en=14379db1f821d3d8&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Sales of existing homes dropped to their lowest level in nearly two years in January, and the number of unsold homes on the market rose, a trade group reported yesterday.

Also yesterday, a survey showed a surprising dip in consumer expectations, and the Commerce Department revised upward measures of economic growth and inflation in the fourth quarter.

Taken together, the figures suggested that the economy, while strong today, may be poised for a slowdown in the second half of the year, especially if the Federal Reserve continues increasing short-term interest rates to keep inflation in check, analysts said.

The new data, along with comments from a Google executive that company growth was slowing in the search-engine business, concerned investors. The three major stock indicators all fell about 1 percent.

[Deja Q]

1. Any statistics showing the demographics?

Lure the ones who've been buying most, whoever they might be...

If not the ones buying the least...

If the market is that much important to maintain, and it is...

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Part of the reason is that speculators have taken their play money to

greener pastures like oil futures.

[Vinca]

3. Interest rates, while still low, have been creeping up.

My husband's real estate-related business has been dead for about 3 months.