By Kyle Chezum Updated on 12/28/2010

Consumer Confidence Unclear, Reports Contradictory as Housing Prices Drop

12/28/10  

A recent report showed that consumer confidence dropped unexpectedly in December, following a major dip in home prices in October that was nearly double the expected price decrease.  Other reports, released recently, showed conflicting data.  At best, the consumer market is in a volatile state.

The decrease has been blamed on a decline in home prices, specifically in urban areas.  Between September and October, Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller composite index showed a significant 1% decrease for 20 major metropolitan areas.  Nevertheless, employment and spending outlooks are strong overall for the new year.

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