U. S. home prices up less than expected in July

(AGI) New York, Sept 30 - Home prices in 20 major metropolitanareas of the U.S. rose 6.7 percent in July compared to anexpected rise of 7.5 percent, the S&P/Case Shiller indexreports. On a month-on-month basis, prices slipped 0.5 percentin July, where no change had been expected. Home prices fell0.5 percent on a deseasonalized month-on-month basis in 10major metropolitan areas, while prices have risen 6.7 percenton an annual basis. (AGI) . .