Is there an end in sight? Today, a government report from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight was released that said home prices in May declined by 4.8 percent over the past year. Are we getting near the point when prices are more appetizing for real estate investors again or do we have a long way to go?

The Pacific Division, see states it encompasses below, actually showed a price increase, which was the first since March 2007.

Also, from April 08 – May 08 the Middle Atlantic and East North Central Division showed a 0.1% increase and the West North Central Division stopped losses to remain even at 0.0%.

It’s the calm before the fury. Next week will be huge for the market as many big companies are reporting earnings.

Will we see forward momentum due to good earnings surprises or will we hit a brick wall? One thing is for sure; next week is shaping up to be very entertaining and pivotal.

Take a partial look at the slew of companies reporting earnings next week:

Back in November we talked about Carl Ichan boosting his share in Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI) and how it might be a sign of good things to come.

At that time, Blockbuster was trading at $3.88. Today, it closed at $2.42. Not exactly going the right way.

So what’s wrong with this stock? Is there any hope?

If you own Ruth’s Hospitality Group (NasdaqGS: RUTH) stock and purchased anywhere close to one year ago or later, you’re in a world of hurt.

About one year ago this stock started stuttering and when it fell, it fell hard.

On July 18. 2007—one year ago from this writing—RUTH closed at $17.53, which was down a little from it’s $20ish highs a couple months prior. The next trading day is closed up 4 cents higher and that would be the end of RUTH.

From there it’s been a rollercoaster right down—August 07 $16s, September 07 $15s, October 07 $14s, November 07 $12s, and so forth.