Home prices in the U.S. climbed at a slower pace in the year through December, indicating the market is entering a new stage that will help sustain further progress. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 cities rose 13.4 percent from December 2012 after increasing 13.7 percent in the year ended in November, the group said today in New York. It was the first deceleration since June. The gain matched the median estimate of 33 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Price appreciation is slowing as rising mortgage rates combined with harsh winter weather to cool home purchases over the past few months. ... (full story)