Home prices declining in most cities, index says

WASHINGTON — Home prices are falling in most major U.S. cities, and at least 10 major markets are at their lowest point since the housing bubble burst, according to figures released Tuesday.

The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city index showed home prices declined in 19 metro areas from January to February and 11 markets experienced faster price declines compared with the previous month. The index fell for the seventh straight month.

It is slightly above the level hit in April, 2009, the lowest point since the bubble burst. Analysts expect the March index will fall past the low point.