Talking Points …

  • The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, covering the entire nation, rose 4.7 percent in the 12 months ended in August, slightly greater than a 4.6 percent increase in July.
  • The 20-city index jumped 5.1 percent year-over-year through August, after July’s 4.9 percent increase. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expected a 5.1 percent increase in the 20-city index.
  • West coast cities remained the strongest markets over the past year, with San Francisco and Denver gaining 10.7 percent through August, and Portland, Ore., jumping 9.4 percent.