Investors have been waiting for the housing market to pick up in order to add one more driver to economic growth. New homes require new appliances and furnishings - to say nothing of the investment in higher insurance. Then there are the parties to celebrate the new status in life!

The Case-Shiller Housing Index should make investors happy.

This index shows a year-to-date increase; 19 of the 20 cities in this index had higher home prices. Here's the monthly data:
Date                      Index
April 30, 2012:      138.55

Mar. 31, 2012:       137.63

Feb. 29, 2012:       136.63

Jan. 31, 2012:        136.49

Source: http://ycharts.com/indicators/case_shiller_home_price_index_composite_20