National Housing Prices Mostly Dip Below March 2009 Lows

We have come to the point at which a majority of the nation’s housing markets are sitting at, just above or well below the pricing levels seen during March of 2009.

In fact, several markets have even recently broken down below the pricing level seen in the year 2000

Combined, all of this weakness has worked to put downward pressure on the 25 market composite index, thwarting any chances for annual appreciation and bringing ever nearer the specter of a new post-panic low for prices.

Although the government-sponsored bounce worked breathe life into residential real estate, a feat that will be likely repeated as we draw closer to the second tax credit expiration, the effects were essentially temporary.

Warren Buffett's only piece of economic data to keep up with the health of the U.S. economy

Warren Buffett was asked once on CNBC that if he were on a secluded island and he was allowed only once piece of economic data to keep up with the health of the U.S. economy, what would it be? He responded that he would want to know the level of U.S. rail car loadings. The higher the activity level the better the economy.
Throughout 2006 to late Q3/08 rail car loadings were in the 320 – 345K level per week. In late 2008 this
fell sharply as the economy weakened during the financial crises. With the financial crises over, the
level of car loadings has not picked up. The January 2010 data shows a decline of 0.7% to 264K/week
from a year ago and down 18% from 2008’s average weekly number of 321K/week.

Up or Down ??? Will S&P breakout at 50 day Moving Average ??