This should induce some slowing in housing market activity, but we expect the housing market in 2006 to be strong, nonetheless.

Our January forecast calls for a gradual rise in long-term rates throughout 2006. This should induce some slowing in housing market activity.

That said, housing starts -- although down a little from the month before -- were still remarkably strong in May with most of the decrease in overall construction coming from a drop off in multiunit building,

That said, housing starts -- although down a little from the month before -- were still remarkably strong in May with most of the decrease in overall construction coming from a drop off in multiunit building.

Low mortgage rates continue to fuel the housing market, making homeownership more attainable to a broader segment of families,

November's numbers confirm that housing activity has peaked and is now slowing.