THE ECONOMY.(TO THE POINT)

ECRI economic index unchanged

The Economic Cycle Research Institute's leading index broke a four-week losing streak when it came in unchanged at 119.3 for the week ended Aug. 24. But the index is still near its April low of 118.2. "If we match that or go lower, it suggests the recovery is farther away than we had hoped," said ECRI Research Director Anirvan Banerji.

Home prices rose in 2nd quarter

They're up 8.6% from the second quarter of 2000, but just 1.7% from the first quarter, says the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. Low mortgage rates have fueled home sales, which has helped keep the weak economy from entering a recession.

Northwest states: Price-cap plan

will limit power supply in winter

The Northwest Power Planning Council wants federal regulators to revise electricity price caps because current controls may impinge on much-needed supply this winter. The price controls, imposed on 11 Western states in June, is based on California usage. But California uses more power in summer, while the Northwest's demand peaks in winter. Current controls would depress prices just as Northwest demand is peaking.