The accepted wisdom is for governments to be open and honest, without denial or premature reassurance, to own up to risks and uncertainties, and to keep up a constant flow of consistent information while giving people clear instructions and something to do.

BBC: Japan nuclear threat: The tsunami is the bigger tragedy

Having broken through the difficult resistance that kept a double-dip in prices as a constant threat, home prices have to see consistent and continued improvement in order to provide meaningful help to the rest of the economy.

FORBES: Housing Still On The Mend: Case-Shiller Shows Prices Up For Fifth-Straight Month