In an in-depth new report, DICK BOVE sees the makings of a US housing bust. The latest data from the National Association of Realtors shows the pace of home sales plunged to its lowest level in more than 13 years in October, with an uptick in the median home prices. High mortgage rates are cited for the tightening conditions, falling home sales and reduced inventory.

BOVE looks beyond the latest malaise. Housing unit growth now exceeds the growth in the US population, he says. Moreover, the money supply that funded growth is now declining. "I think we're headed for a peak in housing activity," according to BOVE, chief financial strategist at ODEON CAPITAL GROUP. "You'll see a decline in housing activity; you'll see a decline in production, housing prices are going to come down. There's going to be loan losses."

Meanwhile, the pace of inflation is slowing with a range of commodity prices in sharp decline. Some retailers see a period of deflation. US government data shows, nonetheless, steady if not strong consumer purchasing activity. Consumers are enjoying the "wealth effect" of a rising stock market, with growing home equity fuelling a feel good spending climate, according to MAT VAN ALSTYNE, ODEON co-founder and managing partner. BOVE also discusses developments in the bank sector, from layoffs at Citi to the constraints of new banking regulations. Joining the CONVERSATIONS is our host, JOHN AIDAN BYRNE.

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