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Data through July 2009, released by Standard & Poor's for its S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, show that, although still negative, the annual rate of decline of the 10-City and 20-City Composites improved compared to last month's reading. This marks approximately six months of improved readings in these statistics, beginning in early 2009.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had improved in August, dipped in September. The Index now stands at 53.1 (1985=100), down from 54.5 in August. The Present Situation Index decreased to 22.7 from 25.4. The Expectations Index declined to 73.3 from 73.8 last month.

The euro area economy shows signs of stabilisation, but it would be premature to declare the crisis over, ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet told the Economics Committee on Monday. MEPs wanted to know how the proposed Systemic Risk Board would work and how to ensure the supply of credit to businesses.

The EU's strategy for growth and jobs must pay more attention to social cohesion goals in the future, says a new report presented by the European Commission. The report from the Social Protection Committee – which brings together experts from each EU country – finds that social protection systems have helped shield Europeans from the worst effects of the financial crisis. But it concludes that social protection alone is not enough to prevent poverty and exclusion, calling for more emphasis on goals such as fighting child poverty and promoting active inclusion. Further modernisation of social protection needs to be fully articulated with growth and jobs strategies.

The European Commission has published the results of a public consultation launched in June 2009 on whether and how deadlines should be set for the migration of existing national credit transfers and direct debits to the new Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) payment instruments. Respondents generally expressed support for fixing at EU level a deadline for the full migration to SEPA. The Commission will discuss this matter with Member States before taking a decision on how best to proceed.

The upward trend in the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) continued in September in both the EU and the euro area. The ESI rose to 82.6 (+1.6 points) in the EU and to 82.8 (+2.0) in the euro area. These levels, however, are still well below the respective long-term averages and the September increases were the smallest since the upturn started in April.

Employees report their bosses use threats and intimidation during the financial crisis, according to a national study of leadership funded by the University of Phoenix. “Questions get you written up and/or fired,” one worker said. The study’s results also showed employees increasing distrust what their bosses say.

The weekly average rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for 30-year fixed mortgages decreased slightly from last week to 5.02 percent, down from 5.04 percent the week prior, according to the Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor, compiled by leading real estate Web site Zillow.com®. Rates for 15-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.42 percent from 4.45 percent, and 5-1 adjustable rate mortgages fell to 3.94 percent, down from 4.00 the week prior.

The majority of private-equity industry executives polled say they expect economic conditions to keep deal activity and debt availability relatively low until near the end of 2010, according to a survey by KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm.

Online advertised vacancies declined by 101,800 to 3,363,000 in September, according to The Conference Board Help-Wanted OnLine Data Series (HWOL)™ released.