Bonds are slightly positive and stocks which opened negative have turned positive on a better August Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.  The index which was expected to decline to 49.5 increased to 53.5 vs July at 50.40.  In separate economic news the Case-Shiller 20 city home price index for June was up 4.23% vs expectations for a 3.1% increase.  The August Chicago PMI (purchasing manager's index) was down to 56.7 vs an expected 57.0 and a 62.3 value in July.