Reports on Home Prices, Consumer Sentiment Due

NEW YORK (AP) -- Two key economic reports are due in the hours ahead. The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index is due before the opening bell on Wall Street.

And in the first hour of trading, the Conference Board releases its monthly gauge of consumer confidence. Since the early troubles in the housing market preceeded the recession, the home price report is watched closely.

Similarly, consumer spending is responsible for the bulk of economic activity, so investors will be monitoring it for any possible progress.

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