Home prices show unexpected strength, Case-Shiller report finds

Home prices fell less than expected in April from a year ago and posted a monthly gain in another sign of a strengthening real estate market, according to a closely watched gauge released Tuesday.
The Case-Shiller index for the 20 largest housing markets in the U.S. saw a 1.7% annual price decline, compared to the Dow Jones estimate for a 2.4% decrease.
On a monthly basis, a national measure showed an increase of 1.3% while the 10- and 20-city indexes posted gains of 1.7%, according to non-seasonally adjusted numbers. $S&P 500 Index(.SPX.US)$ $Boston Properties Inc(BXP.US)$ $Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc(ARE.US)$