The week ahead will be fairly light on releases, with the exception of housing data: existing home sales, housing starts, and the National Association of Home Builders' housing market index will all be released. All three indicators have lately been on a positive streak, with permits issued for new construction and home builder optimism surprisingly strong, despite slower movement in sales. The July level for permits was the highest in four years; the NAHB index was at the highest in four and a half years. Even sales, however, have lately started to turn. Existing home sales have retained their modest strength, while ... (full story)