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April FHFA Home-Price Index Posts Unexpected Decline

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The FHFA's measure of home prices fell by 0.1% in April after a 0.2% increase in the previous month, compared with the 0.2% gain expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:35 am ET.

Prices were up 2% from a year earlier in April.

The monthly home price index report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency measures single-family home prices across the US with a two-month lag, broken down by region. The FHFA reports percentage gains both from the previous month and a year earlier.

Higher home prices are inflationary and a negative for bonds. The outcome for housing-related stocks is mixed, as higher prices suggest strong demand, but prices that are accelerating too fast can also deter potential buyers.

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