HOME SALES

Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the second quarter of 2008. Sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos improved in the second quarter compared to first quarter 2008, according to FAR's latest housing data. A total of 35,178 existing homes sold statewide in 2Q 2008, up 38.2 percent over 1Q 2008. Nationwide, existing home sales rose from the first quarter in 13 states, according to NAR's latest survey.

INTEREST RATES

For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates unchanged. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.