Sales of new homes slipped for a second straight month in September, the US Commerce Department said yesterday, as a few signs emerged that a jittery stock market may take a toll on future economic growth.

Cross-country sales eased 0.2 per cent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 800,000 units after a revised 2.3 per cent fall in August. Industry analysts forecast a further decline in the current fourth quarter and in 1998, noting that investor losses may play a role in the slowing. - (Reuter)