Few seem reassured that their homes, purchased before the price run-up, are generally worth many times more than what they paid for them.

And the offers often cause sharp price run-ups.

The recent price run-up - from the low 20's in February - makes some analysts and stockholders nervous.

But wildlife stamps issued by more than 30 states - many in relatively small quantities - have experienced a price run-up.

But several analysts said the price run-up was speculative.

He added, "A price run-up now contains a considerable downside risk later."

Yesterday's price run-up came a day before the Treasury was expected to auction a record $10.8 billion worth of new two-year notes.

Analysts attributed the slide to turmoil in Russia and to the market's prolonged recent price run-up.

Some of the traders blamed technical factors and profit taking from a recent price run-up for the fall.

The price run-up comes as crude supplies are substantially larger than usual for this time of year.