***Well, apparently good to the last drop is indeed the case when it applies to US households still “extracting” equity from residential real estate. I want to quickly roll over the recent refi stats as of year-end 2007. And this is important why? Because although many Street pundits are trying to claim that the worst is behind us in the financial markets (the bottom is in, remember?),
......
that fact is that what lies ahead is a US consumer that has not yet weaned itself off of real estate equity as a source of household funds. At least not as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2007. Very important in terms of the forward character of US consumption. Mortgage equity withdrawal is just about to take on an entirely new meaning, trust me. And like any addict, withdrawal can be quite the painful experience. US households are about to find out just how kicking the habit feels. Let’s get right to it.***

http://www.financialsense.com/Market/wrapup.htm

Ok, two does is enough for you guys tonight's dinner.