Sales of New Homes in U.S. Hold Near Six-Year High: Economy

New-home sales in January held close to the fastest pace in more than six years, consistent with slow and steady progress that’s been the hallmark of the U.S. housing market since early 2012.

Americans purchased 481,000 properties at an annualized rate last month, little changed from the 482,000 pace in December that was the strongest since June 2008, Commerce Department data showed Wednesday in Washington. Since a lull in July, sales of new homes have climbed 21 percent.