Median national home prices fell by 0.8 per cent in June, in raw terms, from a 0.6 per cent increase in May, according to RP Data-Rismark figures. It was the largest monthly fall in home prices since April 2008, shaving the median national dwelling price by $3000 for the month to $465,000.
Buffett said last year that he had four candidates to succeed him as chief investment officer. He didn’t publicly name them. Earlier, he’d said that he would audition managers who are “genetically programmed” to avoid large risks.
“Production will slow because exports are losing steam,” said Hiroaki Muto, a senior economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. “Japan will probably go into an economic lull next year, although it may avoid a double-dip recession.”
The value of leases has dropped by 60 per cent since the mid-2008 peak, while prices slumped by 57 per cent and occupancy dropped to about 71 per cent from 90 per cent, according to property researcher Colliers International.
“Consumers in Shanghai are very curious to try out new imported food,” said Thomas Woo, president of the local outlet. “They are getting used to shopping expensive fruits, olive oil, red wine and sake as gifts.”