Research

Data through December 2011, released today by S&P Indices for its , the leading measure of U.S.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, showed a 0.9% rise in home prices in July 2011 compared with the previous month for both its 10- and 20-city composites. This is the fourth consecutive month of increases for both indices. 

Credit ratings service Standard & Poor's (S&P) delivered a guarded but upbeat assessment of U.S.

Channel analysis

The S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Indeces showed positive annual growth rates in three key metrics for the first time since the summer of 2010.

The S&P/Case Shiller Index, a bellwether for the new housing market, has reported that home prices, on average, increased 1.3% in April compared with March for both the 10-city and 20-city composites. This announcement follows seven consecutive months of falling home prices on the indices.

An article just released by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services predicted that mergers and acquisitions among forest product companies will continue to increase over the next few quarters due to strong balance sheets and attractive financing terms.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, recorded declines in 19 of the 20 MSAs compared to March 2010. Twelve of the 20 MSAs and the 20-City Composite also posted new index lows in March. 

Results from the third-quarter survey from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) indicated a 42% rise in showroom traffic and a 36% increase in kitchen remodel sales volumes from one year ago, as well as a significant increase -- 85% -- in bathroom sales over the third quarter of 2010.