The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, considered the leading measure of U.S. home prices, showed values continuing to improve in their latest release. The report found that prices rose more than 12 percent from last year in both the 10-city and the 20-city composites. The 20-city composite index also saw month-over-month gains for the fourth consecutive month, though the rate of those gains slowed in July as compared to June. David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said that, though all 20 included cities are up month to month, more cities are experiencing slower gains each month, which suggests the rate of price increases may have peaked. Also, Blitzer believes housing will see a limited, though favorable, impact due to the Fed’s announcement that they will continue their bond-buying program. More here and here.