Prices of Manhattan Apartments Expected to Climb Upward This Year - 2004-01-15
Prices of Manhattan apartments climbed up modestly in the fourth quarter, according to a survey shown yesterday, but experts said prices are likely to rally this year, fueled by Wall Street bonuses and a limited supply of apartments.

Meanwhile, Wall Street bonuses are fattening, mortgage rates remain low, and there is a strong likelihood that there will be some new hires in the financial sector.
Read the full story at Miami Herald

Why Housing Should Stay Robust - 2004-01-15
The housing sector has enjoyed a great run over the past decade or so, and so have shares of the companies that construct homes. But are the good times drawing to an end?

However, we at Standard & Poor's Equity Research don't think the warning is reflective of the industry as a whole. Given our view that mortgage rates should stay buyer-friendly through 2005, we remain largely bullish on these companies.
Read the full story at Business Week