New Monday

With Rita behind us, markets are breathing a sigh of relief. Stocks immediately climbed today but gave back after oil continued to rise. President Bush is vowing to release more of the strategic reserves to help relieve the pressure. That was welcome news. On another investment front, home sales increased. Is this a result of evacuees deciding to permanently relocate? In my area, the answer is yes. Mr. Greenspan is still anticipating a decline in the real estate market but says homeowners can stand the price decline. Markets finished on a positive note. Dow +24.04 NASDAQ +4.62 S&P 500 +0.34