The most recent S&P Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index found prices 3.8 percent higher than last year at the same time. The year-over-year gain was slightly better than the previous month’s annual increase of 3.6 percent. But despite the bump, Brian D. Luke, CFA, head of commodities, real & digital assets, says home price increases have slowed. “With the exception of pockets of above-trend performance, national home prices are trending below historical averages,” Luke said. “Markets in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago are well above norms, with New York leading the way. Unsurprisingly, the Northeast was the fastest growing region, averaging a 6.1 percent annual gain. However, markets out west and in once red-hot Florida are trending below average growth.” Still, despite the regional disparities, S&P’s National Index managed to hit its 18th consecutive all-time high, according to the latest numbers. (source)
