Even before this week’s financial markets melt down, the American economy has been slowing rather dramatically lately. Car and home sales are significantly down.

In September, new vehicle sales were off about 25 percent compared to the same month last year. Ford posting an alarming 33.8 percent drop, Toyota was down 32 percent, and Honda dropped 24 percent. Ironically GM’s mere 16 percent decline could be seen as good news.

Overall, September was the 11th straight month of declining auto sales.

The home front is faring a little better: the sharp drop that began in 2006 may be nearing an end.

From April’s 17.5 percent drop, the decline has slowed to “only” 10.7 percent in August, according to the latest figures available from the National Association of Realtors.

More on the story here.