U.S. Economy: Services sector soggy, housing firm - 2005-05-04
Growth in the huge U.S. services sector slowed in April, consistent with a soft patch in the economy linked to high energy prices, a report highlighted on Wednesday.

Separate reports showed housing remains strong, with weekly mortgage applications higher and more Americans able to purchase a home in recent months.
Read the full story at MSN Money

Homes: U.K. went cold; U.S. could too - 2005-05-04
Americans aren't the only ones who've gotten wealthy off real estate. In fact, home price gains in the United Kingdom dwarf those of the United States.

Between the fourth quarter of 2000 and 2004, U.K. home prices surged 88 percent, on average, according to the Halifax house price index. U.S. home prices, meanwhile, increased 35 percent during that time, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Read the full story at CNN