News Summary: US home sales surge to 3-year high
News Summary: US home sales surge to 5 million annual pace, highest in 3 years
SALES RISE: U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped to their highest level in three years last month, bolstered by steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors said sales rose 5.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in November.
BEST IN FIVE YEARS: Previously occupied home sales are on track for their best year in five years. November's sales were the highest since November 2009.
MORE GROWTH: The number of homes available for sale fell to nearly an 11-year low in November. That's pushing up prices and will likely encourage more home building next year, which should boost growth.