Congress to probe federal banking rule

A backlash from consumer advocates and growing concern among state regulators over new federal banking rules that would void numerous state consumer lending laws for national banks prompted a Congressional committee to schedule a hearing that will examine the rules further.  more...

Housing market emits hissing sound

Editor's note: The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Economic and Policy Research is sponsoring an essay contest on "Why there is no housing bubble." The winner will win $1,000. Send a copy of your entry to contest@inman.com for possible publication on Inman News.  more...

Existing-home sales jump 6.9% in December

Existing single-family home sales jumped from November to December, while overall sales in 2003 easily surpassed the previous record in 2002, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Existing-home sales increased 6.9 percent in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.47 million units from a level of 6.05 million units in November. Last month's sales activity was 8.9 percent higher than the 5.94-million unit level in December 2002 and was second only to a record 6.68 million-unit pace in September 2003.  more...

Inman TV: More technology fray to come