Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose to an almost six-month high in December, according to data released on Tuesday.
The Commerce Department said new home sales jumped 3.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 621,000 units last month.
Economists had forecast new home sales falling 8.7% to a pace of 600,000 units last month.
New home sales, which are drawn from permits, are volatile from month to month.
